PREMIER LEAGUE VAR AND REFEREE
Liverpool vs Sunderland ref watch: Three decisions Stuart Attwell got wrong as ban avoided
Liverpool and Sunderland played out an eventful 1-1 draw at Anfield on Wednesday night through two deflected strikes in the second-half.
The two sides went in level at the break after a tepid first period, and it took until the 68th minute for the opener to be scored as Chemsdine Talbi’s deflected effort flew past Alisson.
Bobby Robson had a secret trick with players
Florian Wirtz has struggled since joining Liverpool for a huge fee in the summer, but it was his shot that looped over Robin Roefs nine minutes from time after hitting Nordi Mukiele.
Both teams had chances to win it late on, with the visitors coming closest as Federico Chiesa denied Wilson Isidor with a goal-line block after a quick counter attack.
There were a few questionable decisions made by match referee Stuart Attwell on the night, and Football Insider have picked out three calls that he got wrong.

Credit: Imago
Virgil van Dijk deserved a booking for foul on Brian Brobbey
Liverpool were slow all over the pitch in the first-half, and Virgil van Dijk was lucky not to be booked just 15 minutes into the encounter for a clear foul on Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.
The Reds’ captain failed to win the ball as he charged through the back of the Dutchman with the visitors looking to attack.
Attwell chose not to even give Sunderland a free-kick, let alone book Van Dijk, with former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively telling Football Insider that the “reckless” challenge was clearly worthy of a yellow.
Noah Sadiki avoided ban for bad foul on Ryan Gravenberch
While Liverpool may have been lucky not to see Van Dijk in the book, Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki will also have been relieved not to receive a yellow card of his own for a poor tackle on Ryan Gravenberch in the first-half.

Credit: Imago
Sadiki, who joined Sunderland from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer crunched his opposite number in the 24th minute as he turned on the halfway line looking to progress the ball forward.
It was a clear foul and given by Attwell, but also worthy of a booking due to it’s ferocious nature. The referee did not show the DR Congo his fifth booking of the season, however, meaning he avoided a ban and is still available to face Man City this weekend.
Ibrahima Konate should have seen yellow for foul on Brobbey
Ibrahima Konate has been under-fire among Liverpool fans for his poor performances this season, and that continued here as he looked shaky up against the burly Brobbey all evening.

Credit: Imago
The Dutch striker put himself about with real intent throughout and, as well as the earlier Van Dijk foul, should have earned Konate a booking in the second-half for an obvious trip.
He stuck a leg out to bring Brobbey down just before the hour mark as Sunderland counter-attacked, but because the visitors kept going forward as Attwell waved play-on, the official then failed to remember the offence when the ball next went out of play.
Ibrahima KonateLiverpoolNoah SadikiStuart AttwellSunderlandVirgil van Dijk

(Credit: Imago)
HomeNews
Lionel Messi’s return to Europe: Premier League contenders revealed to strike January deal

Evan Shaw
Wed 3 December 2025 20:30, UK
Lionel Messi is once again being linked with a return to European football in the final stages of his career.
The former Barcelona legend turned his back on the European game at the end of a two-year stint with PSG back in 2023, and has since been plying his trade in the MLS.
Messi was linked with a move away from Inter Miami throughout the summer transfer window, with sources revealing to Football Insider that a host of Saudi Arabian clubs were keen to make him a marquee signing for their league.
A return to Europe was also on the cards at one stage, and the same links are now emerging ahead of the January transfer window.

Credit: Getty Images
Man City the favourites to bring Lionel Messi to the Premier League
Messi ultimately decided to stay put at Inter Miami back in the summer, and he has since extended his contract to theoretically keep him stateside until 2028.
However, that has done little to prevent speculation that he could return to Europe this winter, and that appears to have seen the eyes of several clubs light up.
The 38-year-old managed a staggering 35 goals from 33 games in the MLS in 2025, and also added an astonishing 21 assists.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
There is no doubt that he would still be an asset to clubs in the world’s strongest leagues, and there is already plenty of speculation as to who he could join if his return from America does materialise.
Barcelona are currently the bookies’ favourites to land the Argentine, with Manchester City deemed the most likely candidate from the Premier League.

Credit: Imago
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently priced at 12/1, with Chelsea next behind them at 22/1. There are also possibilities for the duo of Liverpool and Manchester United, but both are seen as distant at this stage.
What has Lionel Messi said about the Premier League
Messi will have a huge focus on the World Cup next summer, so he may ultimately be reluctant to make a big change in his career just months away from what could be his final tournament on the world stage.
The attacker’s own views towards the Premier League also go against the idea of him moving to England in the final years of his career.
Messi has always been quick to stress his admiration for the Premier League, but specified back in 2012, that he could never play in English football, according to The 42.
“It (English football) is very competitive and played at a phenomenal speed. They play with their heart, with plenty of emotion, spirit and determination,” the then-Barcelona star revealed.
“But I could never see the day arrive when I would play in England.”
Granted plenty has changed his Messi made those comments about the Premier League, but if it hasn’t appealed to him in the past, it would be a huge surprise if he now decides to step out of his comfort zone at this stage of his career.
ChelseaLionel MessiLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedPremier League
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Liverpool and Sunderland played out an eventful 1-1 draw at Anfield on Wednesday night through two deflected strikes in the second-half.
The two sides went in level at the break after a tepid first period, and it took until the 68th minute for the opener to be scored as Chemsdine Talbi’s deflected effort flew past Alisson.
Bobby Robson had a secret trick with players
Florian Wirtz has struggled since joining Liverpool for a huge fee in the summer, but it was his shot that looped over Robin Roefs nine minutes from time after hitting Nordi Mukiele.
Both teams had chances to win it late on, with the visitors coming closest as Federico Chiesa denied Wilson Isidor with a goal-line block after a quick counter attack.
There were a few questionable decisions made by match referee Stuart Attwell on the night, and Football Insider have picked out three calls that he got wrong.

Credit: Imago
Virgil van Dijk deserved a booking for foul on Brian Brobbey
Liverpool were slow all over the pitch in the first-half, and Virgil van Dijk was lucky not to be booked just 15 minutes into the encounter for a clear foul on Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.
The Reds’ captain failed to win the ball as he charged through the back of the Dutchman with the visitors looking to attack.

Credit: Imago
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Attwell chose not to even give Sunderland a free-kick, let alone book Van Dijk, with former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively telling Football Insider that the “reckless” challenge was clearly worthy of a yellow.
Noah Sadiki avoided ban for bad foul on Ryan Gravenberch
While Liverpool may have been lucky not to see Van Dijk in the book, Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki will also have been relieved not to receive a yellow card of his own for a poor tackle on Ryan Gravenberch in the first-half.
Sadiki, who joined Sunderland from Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer crunched his opposite number in the 24th minute as he turned on the halfway line looking to progress the ball forward.
It was a clear foul and given by Attwell, but also worthy of a booking due to it’s ferocious nature. The referee did not show the DR Congo his fifth booking of the season, however, meaning he avoided a ban and is still available to face Man City this weekend.
Ibrahima Konate should have seen yellow for foul on Brobbey
Ibrahima Konate has been under-fire among Liverpool fans for his poor performances this season, and that continued here as he looked shaky up against the burly Brobbey all evening.
The Dutch striker put himself about with real intent throughout and, as well as the earlier Van Dijk foul, should have earned Konate a booking in the second-half for an obvious trip.
He stuck a leg out to bring Brobbey down just before the hour mark as Sunderland counter-attacked, but because the visitors kept going forward as Attwell waved play-on, the official then failed to remember the offence when the ball next went out of play.
Ibrahima KonateLiverpoolNoah SadikiStuart AttwellSunderlandVirgil van Dijk
Lionel Messi’s return to Europe: Premier League contenders revealed to strike January design
Lionel Messi is once again being linked with a return to European football in the final stages of his career.
The former Barcelona legend turned his back on the European game at the end of a two-year stint with PSG back in 2023, and has since been plying his trade in the MLS.
Messi was linked with a move away from Inter Miami throughout the summer transfer window, with sources revealing to Football Insider that a host of Saudi Arabian clubs were keen to make him a marquee signing for their league.
A return to Europe was also on the cards at one stage, and the same links are now emerging ahead of the January transfer window.
Man City the favourites to bring Lionel Messi to the Premier League
Messi ultimately decided to stay put at Inter Miami back in the summer, and he has since extended his contract to theoretically keep him stateside until 2028.
However, that has done little to prevent speculation that he could return to Europe this winter, and that appears to have seen the eyes of several clubs light up.
The 38-year-old managed a staggering 35 goals from 33 games in the MLS in 2025, and also added an astonishing 21 assists.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
There is no doubt that he would still be an asset to clubs in the world’s strongest leagues, and there is already plenty of speculation as to who he could join if his return from America does materialise.
Barcelona are currently the bookies’ favourites to land the Argentine, with Manchester City deemed the most likely candidate from the Premier League.

Credit: Imago
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently priced at 12/1, with Chelsea next behind them at 22/1. There are also possibilities for the duo of Liverpool and Manchester United, but both are seen as distant at this stage.
What has Lionel Messi said about the Premier League
Messi will have a huge focus on the World Cup next summer, so he may ultimately be reluctant to make a big change in his career just months away from what could be his final tournament on the world stage.
The attacker’s own views towards the Premier League also go against the idea of him moving to England in the final years of his career.
Messi has always been quick to stress his admiration for the Premier League, but specified back in 2012, that he could never play in English football, according to The 42.
“It (English football) is very competitive and played at a phenomenal speed. They play with their heart, with plenty of emotion, spirit and determination,” the then-Barcelona star revealed.
“But I could never see the day arrive when I would play in England.”
Granted plenty has changed his Messi made those comments about the Premier League, but if it hasn’t appealed to him in the past, it would be a huge surprise if he now decides to step out of his comfort zone at this stage of his career.
PREMIER LEAGUE VAR AND REFEREE
Get the hell out’ – PGMOL expert blames Darren England as Lucas Paqueta faces extended ban
Darren England must shoulder part of the blame after Lucas Paqueta talked himself into a red card during West Ham’s defeat to Liverpool.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Paqueta’s red card for dissent was easily avoidable on Sunday, 30 November.
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Emotions were clearly high as the Hammers lost 2-0 to the out-of-form Reds, having put in a strong display at the London Stadium before two second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.
It was only a one-goal game when the Brazilian was handed his marching orders by the referee, having charged into Dominik Szoboszlai before arguing the case to earn him two bookings in quick succession.
“It’s ridiculous behaviour” ❌
Lucas Paquetá is SENT OFF for talking himself into a second booking. pic.twitter.com/Hgjy7kBck3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 30, 2025
View Tweet
Lucas Paqueta lashes out after decision goes against the West Ham star
Due to his recent history of betting allegations, Paqueta blamed the FA for his outburst against Liverpool, labelling the entire ordeal as “ridiculous” in a social media rant after full-time.
Supporters have also suggested that Jarrod Bowen could have done more as captain, but the West Ham playmaker will now be unavailable, and his ban could be extended after sarcastically applauding the decision.
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The 28-year-old had only just returned from suspension, having picked up five yellow cards in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, leaving supporters extremely frustrated.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side had multiple chances to take at least a point against Arne Slot‘s team, but after the sending-off, the Reds were always going to see out the victory away from Anfield.
Darren England could be at fault after the Paqueta saga vs Liverpool
Hackett, exclusively speaking to Football Insider on The Final Whistle, said: “Self-discipline is so important in a referee and a player. He’s clearly dissenting, but it does take two to form an argument.
“The referee hangs around. Give him a yellow card, then get the hell out of there. He’s not going to continue the argument if he’s not there. What you do is run alongside the captain, once the game has restarted, and tell him to calm the player down.
“The referee just stands there, handing out the yellow before another one. Then what you see is the player applauding the referee. He’s going to get an additional sanction for that.“
PREMIER LEAGUE VAR AND REFEREE
Premier League referees’ chief Howard Webb on Van Dijk’s disallowed goal against Man City: “Interfering with an opponent where the offside position player doesn’t play the ball and the officials have to make a judgment whether the actions of that player impact an opponent, are…
Premier League managers push for sensible VAR change to rid ‘nervousness’
Premier League managers are urging for a common-sense change to VAR appointments as the technology continues to be a significant talking point.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was introduced to the English top flight at the start of the 2019/2020 season, and it has been a constant source of debate since.
After Virgil van Dijk‘s goal was disallowed at Man City, Liverpool contacted the PGMOL to raise “serious concerns” over the gaps in the VAR process.
As it stands, on-field referees are paired with a different lead VAR operator, meaning there is no opportunity for consistency in communication and accuracy.
But Premier League managers want that to change, according to League Managers Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Bevan, who helps represent managers in the Premier League and EFL, said: “We’ve had a lot of Premier League managers’ meetings with Howard Webb, some good and some not so good.


“Premier League managers would very much like to see the VAR referee being someone who is refereeing with the man on the pitch every week, so there’s not a nervous relationship.
“That’s so they understand each other, they understand how they operate to a greater degree, and Howard Webb and PGMOL are working towards that.
“Recruitment is a big issue for them, and training and development. I think they will get there eventually, but it’s about trying to make fewer errors, because VAR is here to stay.
He added: “The VAR referee should be permanent, not one week on and one week off. The more games that they do, practice makes perfect.”

It is a sensible next step for the Premier League to take as it will help establish a working relationship that, hopefully, will create clearer communication and trust.
There is no single fix that will make all clubs, players or supporters happy, but if it contributes to consistent decision-making, that will go a long way in easing the current frustration.

Liverpool contact PGMOL

According to reports on Monday, Liverpool contacted referees’ chief Howard Webb “to raise serious concerns” about Van Dijk’s disallowed goal at the Etihad.
His goal was ruled out after the linesman raised his flag, with VAR Michael Oliver checking and confirming the decision, which ruled Andy Robertson was interfering in an offside position.
The club’s “view is that the usual checks and balances that are central to the VAR process did not take place, and they believe a different outcome may have been reached.”
Moreover, Liverpool believe “the wording of the law is clear and that no elements of the criteria needed to disallow the goal were met so it should have been allowed to stand.”
Liverpool
VAR AND REFEREE ERROR😱Michael Oliver branded a ‘disgrace’ as Liverpool fans cry referee ‘corruption’ after Man Utd ‘benefit from loophole’ for Bryan Mbeumo goal & survive ‘clear’ penalty calls
Michael Oliver has been branded a “disgrace” by disgruntled Liverpool supporters, with “corruption” claims made on the back of the Reds seeing big calls go against them early on against Manchester United. The Anfield faithful felt the game should have been stopped for a head injury before Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring inside two minutes on Merseyside.
Play on! Game not halted for Mac Allister head injury
A flying start to a meeting between two old adversaries saw Mbeumo break the deadlock. He produced a composed finish after running in behind the Liverpool defence – away from the likes of Virgil van Dijk – and firing into the back of the net. As he wheeled away in celebration, Alexis Mac Allister was sprawled out on the turf.
The World Cup-winning Argentina international was holding his head, having been caught in a challenge just inside the Liverpool half. He was struck by a stray elbow from Reds captain Van Dijk, which clearly left him in some discomfort. The game was not halted, though, with Oliver allowing play to go on and United to take the lead.
Penalty appeal! Amad handball shouts waved away
Liverpool were left fuming, with Arne Slot quick to get into the ear of the fourth official. Mac Allister required plenty of treatment on the field, having suffered a cut to the back of his head, and was left sporting a protective head guard. United are considered to have benefitted from a “loophole”, with VAR unable to intervene as no foul had been committed in the build-up to Mbeumo’s goal.
Understandably, Liverpool supporters were not happy, with more big decisions doing little to lift their mood. The home side thought they should have had a penalty at one stage as the ball struck the hand of United winger Amad inside the box. Protests there were waved away, with the VAR team sticking with Oliver’s on-field ruling.
What Liverpool fans said about big decisions
Reds fans were quick to air their disgust on social media. @IanDoyleSport said: “United have benefited from a loophole there. The ref hasn’t seen it, but VAR has after the goal goes in. But as it’s not a foul, how do they go back and stop the game? Bottom line is it’s a terrible error from Michael Oliver.” @LFCam0 added: “Don’t think I’ve seen a worse 20 minute refereeing performance in my life. Michael Oliver needs sacking.” Sticking with that theme, @SamueILFC said: “Michael Oliver is a disgrace of a referee for not stopping play because of a head injury.”
@FtblRocco chimed in with: “The Manc Michael Oliver not blowing his whistle for a head injury. What a shock that is.” @LukeSandoLFC said, as attention turned to the shout against Amad: “That’s clear handball !!!!! Michael Oliver is so corrupt!!!!!” @TylerPRadio added: “Is Michael Oliver okay? Not seen such a biased ref before, especially in such a big game like Liverpool v Man Utd. Casemiro fouled Mac Allister forcing him into someone else but it’s apparently Mac Allister who makes the foul. Then the Diallo handball not given.”
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Frustration for Liverpool after run of defeats
Liverpool had opportunities to restore parity in the first half against United, but were frustrated by the woodwork and some smart goalkeeping from Senne Lammens. They entered the interval trailing to a goal they believe should never have stood. Cody Gakpo equalised in the 78th minute, but Harry Maguire then headed in the winning goal six minutes later as United sealed a huge 2-1 victory.
Problems have been mounting for Slot of late, with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool heading into the October international break on the back of three successive defeats across all competitions. A fourth against United will come as a real sting, especially with more questions being asked of the match officials.
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