VAR Decision in Liverpool vs Bournemouth Disputed by Former Referee | OneFootball

Liverpool Begin Campaign With Win but Referee Calls Spark Debate

Opening day drama at Anfield

Liverpool launched their Premier League title defence with a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, a scoreline that reflected attacking firepower but not full control. Arne Slot’s side surged to an important win in their first match of the 2025-26 campaign, yet moments in the contest left both fans and pundits with questions.

There were flashes of vulnerability. Milos Kerkez and Ibrahima Konate both struggled and almost invited Bournemouth back into the contest. The resilience of the wider squad ensured Liverpool emerged with maximum points, but the performance left room for improvement as the season progresses.

Controversy over handball decision

The match was shaped not only by goals but by officiating. In the first 15 minutes, Marcos Sensi was involved in a handball incident that drew widespread scrutiny. The ball struck his thigh before rolling onto his hand, and VAR quickly dismissed any offence.

On Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, former striker Jay Bothroyd was blunt in his assessment.

“To me that’s rubbish [that Sensi’s handball wasn’t a clear and obvious offence], if you’re talking about the one with his elbow, that could be seen as accidental,” he said.

“But the one where he’s reached for the ball and touched the ball with his hand, you see that the ball has come away from his hand, so obviously he’s touched it, that’s the one where he’s clearly gone for the ball, and that’s why it should be a red card.”

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, also present, admitted VAR had acted hastily.

“I think they’re just repeating what VAR said because the VAR cleared it, I was watching the game and VAR said ‘it’s not a handball offence because it’s come off his thigh onto his elbow’ which is never going to be hand ball, but he hasn’t looked for the swipe.

“I think he clearly looked at it too quickly.”

Such moments highlight the ongoing debate around technology, interpretation, and consistency in refereeing, themes that continue to shadow the Premier League.

Expectations for Liverpool this season

Slot enters this campaign carrying the weight of high expectations. The club invested over £250 million across the summer to bolster their squad, a figure that demands results both domestically and in Europe. While opening-day wins are valuable, the scrutiny lies in performances, and Liverpool cannot afford to drift below their own standards.

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The Champions League looms, and consistency is paramount. Liverpool must be sharper in possession, stronger defensively, and more ruthless in closing matches. For all the positives of their victory over Bournemouth, the defensive lapses and moments of sloppiness cannot persist if silverware is to follow.

Decisions ahead in the transfer market

As deadline day approaches, Liverpool’s strategy remains in focus. Harvey Elliott’s future is a subject of speculation, and any potential departure will depend on new arrivals. Targets such as Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi remain in discussions, though the club face challenges in concluding those moves.

If reinforcements fail to materialise, retaining squad depth becomes essential. With four competitions on the horizon, Slot will need every option available. Given the scale of recent changes, stability may serve Liverpool as much as further signings.

The season has begun with victory and promise, but with refereeing debates, defensive frailties, and squad decisions still unresolved, the coming weeks will test Liverpool’s resolve.