Liverpool handed final Florian Wirtz verdict after complaint over controversy

The Premier League Key Match Incidents Panel has backed VAR Andy Madley's decision to allow Florian Wirtz's goal against Fulham despite Marco Silva's protests

Florian Wirtz scored a controversial goal against Fulham(Image: Getty Images)

The Premier League Key Match Incidents Panel (KMI Panel) has confirmed that Florian Wirtz's goal in the match against Fulham was rightfully awarded.

Wirtz equalized for Liverpool at Craven Cottage in the 57th minute, capitalizing on Connor Bradley's touch. The assistant referee initially disallowed the goal by raising his flag.

However, after a considerable delay, video assistant referee (VAR) Andy Madley reviewed the goal and decided to award it, aided by semi-automated offside technology (SAOT). Wirtz was helped by the five-centimeter tolerance granted to attackers, known as thicker lines, a rule applied in the Premier League, but not in Germany, Spain, or Italy.

The KMI Panel unanimously supported Madley's decision to validate Wirtz's goal against Fulham.

They stated: "The VAR intervention to award the goal was supported as correct, given the tight margin of the offside call and thicker offside lines used for these incredibly tight calls."

Wirtz's goal nearly secured all three points for Arne Slot's side when Cody Gakpo scored in the fourth minute of injury time.

Wirtz's goal was initially ruled out for offside before VAR overturned the decision(Image: Getty Images)

However, Harrison Reed struck back with an impressive equalizer just three minutes later.

Despite the thrill of his team salvaging a point, Fulham manager Marco Silva expressed his outrage after the club sought an explanation from PGMOL.

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

"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."

He added: "Against Palace at home, our goal from Emile Smith Rowe was disallowed, it was not 5cm, probably half the nail of (Samuel) Chukwueze.

"The goal was disallowed. What's happened to this game? The tolerance was not spoken about then.

"I believe at the end of the season, everything should be balanced.

"Everyone remembers what happened at Stamford Bridge, and it happened again on Sunday. Everything comes from VAR decisions."