Ex-refs chief explains why new VAR rule wasn't used in Liverpool controversy vs Man City

Paul Howard on VAR was never going to intervene on Ryan Gravenberch's sending-off in Liverpool's defeat to Manchester City.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the decision was far too subjective to go to a VAR review.

The clash between Liverpool and Man City on Sunday, 11 October, took a huge twist when Gravenberch was given his marching orders at Anfield.

In what was deemed a second bookable offence for tripping up an attacking Jeremy Doku, Andoni Iraola's side were reduced to 10 men.

From there, the visitors dominated, with goals coming from Erling Haaland, Doku and Rayan Cherki in a convicing 3-0 win for the Citizens.

At the start of the 2026-27 campaign, fans were interested to learn that second yellow cards, leading to a red, could be reviewed at the pitchside monitor.

Ryan Gravenberch controversy not a 'clear and obvious error'

Sadly for Gravenberch, his didn't meet the threshold, and speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett agrees with VAR's decision not to intervene.

"I think that when you look at that second challenge, it's a referee's call. This is about his view, his interpretation," he said.

"I cannot say that it was a clear and obvious error. And therefore, that's why VAR didn't come in. I just think that he jumped in quickly, and I think it was all a bit unnecessary.

"But that's only my view. There are people, referees at whatever level saying, 'Yes, it's two yellow cards'.

"This is why I think you've got to put value into a yellow card, whatever that yellow card is for."

What has Wayne Rooney said about the incident?

If there was ever going to be anyone with no skin in the game, it would be Wayne Rooney, who disliked both teams equally, most likely.

While the Manchester United legend admitted that the first yellow is harsh, he described the second caution as "naive and stupid" by the No.38.

However little the contact was on Doku, any slight touch at the pace he was running at had the potential to send him tumbling.

Iraola could have decided to sacrifice his midfielder, but the lack of experienced options on the bench appeared to have made the decision for him.