Ex-PGMOL chief calls for VAR change as ‘Chuckle Brothers’ blasted over Man City vs Liverpool controversy
Chris Kavanagh and Michael Oliver were both to blame for the wrong decisions during Man City’s win over Liverpool.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that both officials failed to take responsibility for what happened at the Etihad Stadium.
Jeremy Doku was the star player as the Citizens claimed a 3-0 win against Arne Slot‘s side on Sunday, 9 November, with the victory moving them within four points of first-place Arsenal.
Erling Haaland netted a fine header before Virgil van Dijk saw an equaliser wrongly disallowed for the Reds. Nico Gonzalez rubbed salt into the wounds before half-time, with Doku adding a third.
Jeremy Doku penalty call causes debate in Man City vs Liverpool
In the 11th minute, Doku was brought down by Giorgi Mamardashvili inside the penalty area, one which Hackett completely disagreed after re-analysing the goalkeeper’s challenge.
Ultimately, it was not a decision that had a huge impact on the game, with Haaland seeing his effort from 12 yards saved, but it did not stop supporters from both sides debating on social media.
Van Dijk‘s disallowed goal was yet another moment which caused fury amongst fans, and all of that frustration has led back to referee Kavanagh and VAR official Oliver.
Premier League referees have been under heavy criticism in 2025-26, and so too has the use of VAR, and Hackett is eager for a change at Stockley Park after yet more outbursts at the Etihad.
VAR operators should be fully trained after Michael Oliver’s mistake
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “This is a decision that should have been made by the referee. You’ve got this working relationship between referee and VAR. To me, to you; it’s a little bit like the Chuckle Brothers.
“We know it’s the VAR making the decision, not the referee. That’s where we all lose a little bit of faith about how VAR is operating.
“Until you get a full-time, trained squad of VAR operators, and not just existing referees, we’ll have this lack of consistency. Referees are reluctant to change their decisions. It’s a process that is still flawed.”