Fans rage at VAR once again as Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino denied goal due to marginal offside

Football fans voiced their disapproval towards VAR once again after Roberto Firmino was denied an equaliser against Aston Villa on Saturday due to a tight offside.

With the Reds losing 1-0 to Ollie Watkins‘ strike, Firmino lashed in what looked like a reasonable goal just seconds before the half-time but VAR spotted a potential offside with Diogo Jota. 

The video technology official drew the line near the Liverpool winger’s elbow – rather than his sleeve as per normal rules – and Jota was deemed to be ahead of Villa defender Tyrone Mings when a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross was made.

Roberto Firmino was denied a goal against Aston Villa by VAR due to an offside on Diogo Jota

Fans fumed at VAR as the technology drew a line on Jota’s elbow and not his shirt sleeve

Fans were keen to spot where the line was drawn and took to social media to express their anger. 

One fan tweeted: ‘That’s just a disgraceful call from VAR. they were putting the line on Jota’s elbow!’

Another posted: ‘How is this offside? The line is drawn at his elbow ffs f*** VAR’

Meanwhile, one fan asked: ‘What part of jota was offside he can score from????? VAR is a joke.’

The VAR controversy at Anfield came one day after Wolves were denied a goal against Fulham on Friday night due to another marginal offside call.

Willian Jose headed home a goal in the first-half for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side but Daniel Podence was found to be offside in similar circumstances, despite the lines looking level. 

Tweeting about the VAR controversy this weekend, BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker said: ‘I’m sorry, but VAR gets more ridiculous by the day. How on earth can they say with any confidence that that is offside? Same as last night’s disallowed goal. Ridiculous.’

More to follow.