Florian Wirtz’s contentious equaliser was upheld after semi-automated offside technology showed a tiny margin and a 5cm tolerance. Betting outcome: expect markets to favour Liverpool for late goals and both-teams-to-score in tight London fixtures; punters may prefer live/late-goal markets over pre-match wagers that hinge on marginal offside decisions.
Wirtz Goal Upheld After SAOT Review
Florian Wirtz drew Liverpool level at Craven Cottage in the 57th minute and, after a lengthy review, the goal was awarded. The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents Panel (KMI Panel) unanimously confirmed the video assistant’s decision following analysis with semi-automated offside technology (SAOT).
What the Review Found
The SAOT assessment applied the league’s five-centimetre tolerance — implemented as thicker offside lines — which gave the attacker the benefit of the doubt in an extremely tight call. The KMI Panel said the VAR intervention was supported as correct given the marginal nature of the offside and the thicker lines used for such decisions.
Marco Silva’s Reaction
Fulham boss Marco Silva was incensed after the match, publicly disputing the award and claiming the player was clearly offside by more than the tolerance. Silva referenced previous disallowed goals to argue inconsistency in VAR outcomes and urged clearer communication on the tolerance policy.
Late Drama, Match Outcome and Betting Implications
Cody Gakpo appeared to have won the game for Liverpool in stoppage time, only for Harrison Reed to snatch a stoppage-time leveller and leave the game 2-2. The tight nature of the SAOT call and the presence of a fixed tolerance in the Premier League should shape betting strategies: consider backing both teams to score or Liverpool in markets that account for late goals, prioritise in-play bets where you can react to VAR-driven momentum shifts, and be cautious with pre-match wagers that assume consistency in marginal offside rulings.
Why This Matters Going Forward
The ruling highlights how league-specific technology and tolerance settings can influence results. Punters and analysts should factor in the Premier League’s thicker offside lines when assessing close attacking plays, and managers’ public reactions may influence refereeing scrutiny and future VAR interpretations.
Florian Wirtz's equaliser at Fulham for Liverpool caused controversy after the German seemed to be in an offside position but the decision has been justified after a review
Liverpool Echo
