Howard Webb is completely wrong in his explanation of why Virgil van Dijk’s header deserved to be disallowed against Liverpool.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Liverpool’s equaliser against Man City should have stood on Sunday, 9 November.

Giorgi Mamardashvili was controversially punished for bringing Jeremy Doku down in the penalty area, and while Erling Haaland missed from the spot, he was on hand to make up for his errors minutes later.

Van Dijk’s equaliser could have completely changed the game for the Reds, but after re-analysing the incident, with Andy Robertson in an offside position, Howard Webb appeared to support the decision.

Listen to the audio of Virgil van Dijk’s goal against Manchester City being disallowed 🔊

Speaking on Match Officials Mic’d Up, PGMO chief Howard Webb explains why VAR did not intervene to overturn the decision. pic.twitter.com/l3sYMYmjJR

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 11, 2025

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Keith Hackett fundamentally disagrees with PGMOL boss’ explanation

The decision was heavily debated, with many suggesting that Robertson never interfered with play, and speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett is fully against the PGMOL boss’ explanation.

“We have seen an explanation from the PGMOL in regards to the goal that was ruled out for offside following that Virgil van Dijk header, and Robertson being judged as offside,” he said.

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“I have listened to Howard Webb‘s explanation, and there’s no question that there is always subjectivity around this type of offence. Robertson was in an offside position. However, the goalkeeper’s sight was unobstructed.

“The action of Robertson bending down did not impact the goalkeeper’s ability to make a save. Therefore, in my opinion, along with many others, the goal should have been allowed.

“Liverpool had every right to ask for an explanation from Howard Webb. Sadly, his explanation at this time, I disagree with. I acknowledge the subjectivity, but Robertson did not impact on the goalkeeper.”

Jamie Carragher has already shown why Howard Webb is wrong

Analysing the incident in detail following the final whistle, Jamie Carragher walked through each step of the disallowed goal, and his explanation was far more detailed than Webb’s.

He showed proof that Gianluigi Donnarumma was already on his way to the opposite corner, so when Van Dijk aimed for the opposite corner, the goalkeeper’s reaction was extremely delayed.

It took the Italy international until the ball was already above Robertson’s head before Donnarumma planted his foot and pushed in the correct direction, meaning that the ducking motion could have played no part whatsoever.

It has been baffling to see Webb remain strong on his officials’ standpoint on the controversial incident while the rest of the footballing world hits out at the decision. But it appears nothing will change anytime soon.

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Liverpool are reportedly ready to break the bank to bring in a highly-rated centre back to fix their defensive problems, either in January or next su

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Liverpool are reportedly lining up a major swoop for Inter Milan centre back Alessandro Bastoni as they aim to strengthen their defensive options. The Reds have been left vulnerable at the back after Giovanni Leoni’s lengthy injury layoff and their unsuccessful chase of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, leading them to renew their focus on Bastoni as a potential solution.

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As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are preparing an £88million offer for the 26-year-old, who has been praised by Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini as “one of the best defenders” in the game.

“I know Alessandro well, he is one of the strongest central defenders around and for me, he is among the best in the world,” Chiellini said in 2023. “He is a player that Italy will be able to count on for many years, he just needs to continue working and maintaining the desire to improve.”

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A move for Bastoni could be attempted as soon as January, though Liverpool are reportedly willing to wait until the summer if required – a decision that might prove important considering Ibrahima Konate’s uncertain future, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Should the deal exceed £80m, Alessandro Bastoni would become the most expensive defender of all time. Harry Maguire currently holds that distinction after his £80m transfer from Leicester to Manchester United in 2019.

Josko Gvardiol follows in second with his £77m move from RB Leipzig to Manchester City in 2023, while Virgil van Dijk’s £75m transfer from Southampton to Liverpool in 2018 remains third on the list.

Report: Liverpool told to pay close to Premier League record fee for 25-year-old target

Arne Slot could be reunited with a familiar face at Liverpool.

Liverpool are interested in signing the PSG midfielder Vitinha in the coming months.

According to a report from Fichajes, Real Madrid are also keen on securing the services of the 25-year-old Portuguese international.

The French outfit have now set his asking price at €130 million. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool or Real Madrid are prepared to pay up.

They have been monitoring the Portuguese midfielder closely and they are impressed by his performances. The Portuguese international has been a key player for PSG, and he helped them win the league title and the UEFA Champions League last season. He is at the peak of his career, and he could make a huge impact at Liverpool or Real Madrid.

Liverpool could use Vitinha

Both clubs need more quality in the middle of the park. They need someone who can control the tempo of the game, add composure and technical ability in the middle of the park as well. The Portuguese International certainly fits the profile, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.

The asking price is quite expensive, and PSG might need to be more reasonable with their demands in order for the move to go through. The French outfit is under no pressure to sell the player, and it is no surprise that they have set an absurd asking price. They will hope that the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool will walk away from the deal.