History made in English football as referee announces VAR decision in Carabao Cup semi-final between Spurs and Liverpool
Updated 09/01/2025 at 08:15 GMT
Dominic Solanke thought he had given Tottenham the lead over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final when he raced through and beat goalkeeper Alisson Becker, but a VAR review quickly turned his joy to disappointment. The focus was on the process of the decision rather than any controversy, as Stuart Attwell became the first referee in English football to announce his decision to the crowd.
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History was made at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday night as referee Stuart Attwell announced a VAR decision to the crowd for the first time in English football.
The new initiative was brought in for a trial during the Carabao Cup semi-finals as part of the PGMOL's "commitment to transparency".
And it was used for the first time as Spurs beat Liverpool 1-0 in the first leg of their last-four clash.
With the score goalless, Dominic Solanke was sent clean through by Pedro Porro and the England international guided his finish past the onrushing Alisson.
The linesman's flag remained down and Tottenham celebrated, but the VAR was consulted. It became clear that Solanke was in an offside position and, after a delay, the referee took centre stage.
With his mic connected to the stadium PA system and the home fans waiting patiently, Attwell said: "After a review, Dominic Solanke was in an offside position in the build-up to the goal, therefore the decision is offside."
That was followed by an exceptionally shrill blow of his whistle before he signalled for offside, to groans from the Tottenham supporters.
It was certainly unusual, and there will again be concerns about the lengthy delay, but fans in the stadium were at least more aware of what was happening.
The ruled-out goal did not ruin Tottenham's night, though. Lucas Bergvall was on hand shortly after to convert following good work from Solanke, giving Spurs a narrow lead to take into the second leg at Anfield next month.
The winner of the tie will face either Newcastle or Arsenal, with Eddie Howe's side strong favourites to progress after an impressive 2-0 win at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
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