Premier League explains VAR decision before Mohamed Salah makes history vs Everton
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCIliman Ndiaye thought he had scored for Everton in the Merseyside derby just before Mohamed Salah's strike for Liverpool, but his effort was disallowed for offside after VAR review15:24, 19 Apr 2026Updated 15:27, 19 Apr 2026Mohamed Salah put Liverpool in front just a few minutes after an Everton goal was disallowed(Image: (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images))Iliman Ndiaye's goal for Everton against Liverpool was ruled out for a marginal offside in the build-up, with Mohamed Salah netting the opener just two-and-a-half minutes later in what is set to be his final Merseyside derby.The Toffees' wide man believed he had etched his name into the history books when he turned home Jake O'Brien's cross to register the first Merseyside derby goal at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium. However, semi-automated offside technology revealed that O'Brien was fractionally behind Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool's last defender, during the VAR review as he collected a loose clearance on the right.A post on X from the Premier League Match Centre confirmed: "#EVELIV – 27' VAR OVERTURN VAR checked the referee's call of goal – and established that O'Brien was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed."READ MORE: Michael Olise 'agreement' verdict reached as Liverpool told perfect Mohamed Salah replacementREAD MORE: Liverpool could face Alisson transfer dilemma amid big contract claimWithin minutes, Salah was adjudged onside as he connected with Cody Gakpo's outstanding ball in behind the Everton backline to put Arne Slot's men ahead, with his effort arriving approximately 150 seconds after Ndiaye's disallowed strike.Everton had begun the brighter in its maiden home fixture against Liverpool at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Giorgi Mamardashvili called into action for several early stops, notably a fine save to deny Beto, reports the Liverpool Echo.There were also significant appeals for a penalty following a clash between Curtis Jones and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but those claims were dismissed.Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreFrom $100LFC.comSee the dealLiverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.Sky Sports co-commentator Chris Sutton backed the decision made by referee Chris Kavanagh. He said: "His run is well-timed.
The ball is excellent. said it was shoulder to shoulder and that was my initial reaction too."Was he getting on the end of that anyway? Too easy, though, to run off the back of Szoboszlai to get in."With the away side finding it difficult to establish themselves in the match, tensions boiled over between Dominik Szoboszlai and Ndiaye after a foul by the former.Iliman Ndiaye and Dominik Szoboszlai clash during the Merseyside derbyThe Hungary international had previously been dispossessed rather robustly by James Garner, though Jordan Pickford ended up being the sole player cautioned after storming out of his goal following Virgil van Dijk's late challenge on Idrissa Gueye.Salah's strike, which saw him draw level as the joint-highest goalscorer in Merseyside Derbies throughout the Premier League era, proved to be the crucial moment as Liverpool seized control for the rest of the second period.Both Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak tested Pickford with efforts while a powerful Szoboszlai shot was denied by James Tarkowski.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCEverton FCPremier LeagueMohamed Salah