Fulham contacts PGMOL for explanation after controversial Florian Wirtz goal

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Florian Wirtz's goal for Liverpool was awarded by VAR despite replays seemingly showing him in an offside position, with Fulham now seeking an explanation from the PGMOL

Fulham players appeal for offside as Florian Wirtz scores for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

It's believed that Fulham has contacted the PGMOL for an explanation on Florian Wirtz’s controversial goal for Liverpool during Sunday’s game at Craven Cottage.

The German international leveled the game at 1-1 during the second half after Harry Wilson had given the hosts the lead. Having initially been ruled offside on the pitch, VAR intervened to award the goal.

The game would go on to finish 2-2, with Liverpool having looked to have won it when Cody Gakpo struck deep into stoppage time, only for Harrison Reed’s spectacular goal moments later to earn Fulham a point, although questions still remain over the way in which the Reds found a way back into the encounter.

Despite VAR ruling that Wirtz had been onside, replays seemed to show that the 22-year-old’s right foot had indeed strayed beyond the last defender as Conor Bradley played his pass toward him.

Footage from the semi-automated technology though appeared to show Wirtz in a less advanced position, raising doubts over the decision.

The Standard now claims that Fulham has contacted PGMOL for an explanation as to why the goal was awarded. It has been suggested that the Premier League uses thicker lines than other competitions to judge its offside calls, a change that was made a few years ago.

Florian Wirtz celebrates with his Liverpool teammates after his goal is awarded by VAR against Fulham(Image: Getty Images)

Offside rules were adjusted ahead of the current campaign to give goalscorers more leeway, with a 5cm tolerance level applied to tight decisions.

Nevertheless, the consensus among many pundits seems to be that Wirtz was offside, with former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher among those to have expressed his bemusement at the decision.

Fulham boss Marco Silva called it a “clear offside” when speaking after the game, before going further with his thoughts during a press conference on Tuesday.

"Now, I have more images, different tools. For me, I cannot believe how that goal was allowed, it was a clear offside,” Silva said.

“We are still waiting for feedback from the Premier League. Everyone had the same opinion. It was clear. It's much more than 5cm in my opinion."

Wirtz himself admitted he thought the goal would not be awarded to him. "I was sure it was offside so I didn't even celebrate,” he told Sky Sports.

“I was happy that I scored, but I'd rather take the three points. We need points, and we wanted three points today.

“We know there's no easy game in this league. We are in a difficult situation because we drew two times. It's not what we want; we want more. We have to get better but it's still a process."