Lineker talks about Van Dijk s goal being disallowed: The penalty is too harsh, but it may not affect the result of the game

Sports 5:15pm, 11 November 2025 152

In the 11th round of the Premier League's focus match, Liverpool lost 0-3 away to Manchester City. When the Red Army fell behind 0-1, Van Dijk once used a corner kick to score a goal, but VAR determined that Robertson interfered in the offside position and the goal was invalid. England star Lineker and former Manchester City player Richards talked about the penalty for this ball.

Lineker: "I don't know if this goal will have an impact (on the result of the game). I doubt it will, but we have no way of knowing, because this is just a hypothesis. If Van Dijk's goal is valid, the score will become 1-1. I think this penalty is a bit harsh.

"It is true that Robertson was in an offside position and did avoid it, but I don't think he affected the goalkeeper. There is one angle that is particularly obvious. Robertson did not block the goalkeeper's view, or maybe he blocked it. It's hard to say in this case. I was surprised that they overturned that goal, I thought it was a harsh call on Liverpool's part and the Liverpool fans were obviously not happy about it. "

Richards: "I completely agree. The score was 1-0 at the time, and that penalty will determine whether the score becomes 1-1. I don't like the penalty either, and I agree with you. I think the penalty was too harsh, but the referee needed to make a decision at that moment. Robertson did make evasive movements, so the goalkeeper had to constantly adjust his position.

"But I think Donnarumma couldn't touch the ball anyway, so I think this penalty is too harsh. This may change the outcome of the game, but Manchester City is indeed the better team. Even if Liverpool scores, I believe Manchester City will score more goals.

"The current offside rule is too complicated and should be simplified. As long as you are in an offside position, it is offside. This eliminates all disputes. However, I do feel sorry for Liverpool for this penalty, because Donnarumma actually couldn't touch the ball, and I understand Liverpool's dissatisfaction. "