Top 5 controversial VAR calls by David Coote involving Liverpool

New Delhi: David Coote, a name that’s caused quite a stir among Liverpool fans over the years, has been central to several controversial VAR decisions involving the Reds. The 42-year-old, whose recent suspension came after a scandalous video surfaced, has made his mark as a match referee and a VAR official. Over the years, Coote’s decisions have led to frustration and even anger among Liverpool supporters, especially when those decisions went against them in key moments.

As Coote’s suspension continues to make headlines, it’s a perfect time to revisit five high-profile instances where his VAR interventions caused significant debate during Liverpool matches.

5. Manchester United 1-1 Liverpool (20th October 2019)

Mane’s goal got disallowed against Man United for the exactly the same thing. So that would suggest it’s does apply to Liverpool! 🤦🏾‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/AA1zZfzzlR

— Rashid Ariori (@dalston_deirdre) January 11, 2020

The first major moment involving Coote came in the 2019/20 season during the Premier League clash at Old Trafford. Liverpool, who would go on to win the title that season, faced Manchester United in one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures.

The match had high stakes, and early in the game, Marcus Rashford scored for United. However, replays showed that there was a possible foul on Divock Origi by United’s Victor Lindelof in the build-up to the goal. Despite the evidence, Coote, acting as VAR, upheld the on-field decision, leaving Liverpool fans angry over what seemed like a clear infringement.

The frustration didn’t end there, as Coote also intervened to rule out a Sadio Mane equaliser for handball. Though Adam Lallana salvaged a late equaliser for Liverpool, many believed that the game could have gone a different way had Coote made different calls.

4. Everton 2-2 Liverpool (17th October 2020)

Mane vs Everton- 2 in the same game you say?? Not sure how this ones offside but go off lads. FT Everton 2-2 Liverpool pic.twitter.com/YJlOojbr5S

— ☬𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓭𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓵 ༒ (@Johnbullmaniac) November 1, 2024

Almost a year after the United draw, Coote was involved in yet another crucial moment, this time in a Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had made a controversial challenge on Virgil van Dijk, an incident that led to the Dutch defender being sidelined for almost a year. Despite calls for a penalty or even a red card, no action was taken.

In another pivotal moment, Liverpool thought they had snatched a last-minute winner when Jordan Henderson’s shot found the net in stoppage time. However, Coote, again on VAR duties, intervened to rule out the goal, deeming Sadio Mane to be offside in the build-up. It was an extremely tight call, and Jurgen Klopp made his frustrations known after the match, claiming that several reporters had told him that Mane was not offside. Once again, Coote’s decision sparked outrage among Liverpool fans, who felt hard done by.

3. Liverpool 2-0 Everton (21st October 2023)

In the reverse fixture a few years later, things seemed to turn in Liverpool’s favour when Coote made a crucial decision for the Reds. In a Merseyside derby at Anfield, Liverpool asked for a penalty after Everton’s Michael Keane seemed to handle the ball in the penalty area.

Initially, referee Craig Pawson waved away the appeals, but Coote, acting as VAR, recommended a review. Pawson reversed his decision after a brief review on the monitor and awarded Liverpool a penalty. Mohamed Salah confidently converted the spot-kick, and Liverpool went on to secure a 2-0 win. For once, Coote sided with Liverpool, giving fans a rare moment of satisfaction from his VAR interventions.

2. Everton 2-0 Liverpool (24th October 2024)

Just a year after his intervention for Liverpool in the 2023 Merseyside derby, Coote was again involved in a VAR decision in the 2024 edition of the fixture. This time, the decision went in Everton’s favour. After Everton were awarded a penalty by referee Andy Madley, Coote reviewed the incident and, much to Liverpool’s frustration, overturned the decision.

It was discovered that Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been offside in the build-up to the penalty, leading Coote to advise Madley to rescind the spot-kick. While the penalty decision was overturned, the match still ended in Everton’s favour, with the Toffees securing a 2-0 win. This was another example of Coote’s involvement in a tense derby match, where his VAR decision led to mixed emotions for Liverpool fans, especially as the outcome was not favourable for the Reds.

1. Liverpool 2-0 Wolves (19th May 2024)

In what would be Jurgen Klopp’s final game at Anfield as Liverpool manager, David Coote’s VAR decisions turned out to be somewhat of a positive influence for the Reds. The match against Wolves seemed to be a routine victory for Liverpool, but Coote’s intervention played a key role in ensuring the result.

In a challenge by Wolves’ Nelson Semedo on Alexis Mac Allister, Coote recommended that the referee review the incident, which ultimately led to a red card for Semedo. The decision gave Liverpool an even greater advantage, and the Reds sealed the win, securing Klopp’s farewell with a 2-0 victory. Although it was a relatively smooth VAR decision, it was ironic that Coote, who had caused Klopp much frustration in the past, was now siding with the Reds in such an important match.

David Coote’s career as a VAR official has undoubtedly been marked by moments that have divided opinions, especially when it comes to Liverpool. His decisions have swung both ways, with some benefitting the Reds and others leaving fans seething. Regardless of his recent suspension, these VAR decisions will continue to shape the memories of Liverpool supporters, and his involvement in controversial moments will likely remain a topic of discussion for years to come.

 David Coote’s VAR decisions in Liverpool matches have sparked controversy, with key moments involving rival clubs and crucial goals.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today