Sport Premier League forced to release two VAR statements in Newcastle vs Liverpool chaos Latest Liverpool news as the Premier League explain controversial refereeing calls against Newcastle United with VAR confusion

Liverpool dropped points against Newcastle United in their bid to win the title, and it wasn’t without a hint of drama. The Premier League were forced to put out two statements surrounding VAR decisions key to the outcome at St. James’ Park.

Confidence was high after consecutive home wins against Real Madrid and Manchester City, though Arne Slot recognised the dangers scheduled away fixtures beginning with Newcastle would present his team. The hosts proved those fears to be valid with their first-half performance, during which the Reds were made to look a shadow of their usual selves.

Curtis Jones would equalise after the break, only for Liverpool to be put down once again by Anthony Gordon. Mohamed Salah added two goals to his earlier assist and with his side on the cusp of victory, it was a Magpies equaliser snatched in the final moments that put a dampener on the evening.

Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister suspended for Merseyside derby against Everton

Robbie Fowler has ‘simple answer’ to Mohamed Salah contract with Liverpool transfer warning

Slot will have plenty to analyse and know there are different aspects his team will need to work on to ensure points aren’t dropped in the same manner moving on.

That said, the head coach is not able to influence the two key moments VAR got involved in during Wednesday’s clash. Here, the ECHO breaks down the Premier League’s explanations for these latest decisions.

Communicated via the new Match Centre account on X (formerly Twitter), VAR intervention is now more readily accessible. At St. James’ Park it was certainly needed.

After Isak put the hosts ahead with a 70mph strike in the 35th minute, VAR Stuart Attwell was required to check the build-up for any potential offside infringements. The striker was running off the shoulder of Virgil van Dijk before he collected the ball and smashed into the net from the edge of the box.

“The referee’s call of goal for Newcastle United was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Isak was in an onside position,” Match Centre confirmed, explaining the assistant on the touchline’s correct choice not to raise his flag.