Liverpool vs Arsenal VAR official 'spotted with FPL app open' while making decision in crucial game

VAR has come under fire after one of its officials was allegedly spotted with the 'FPL app open' during Arsenal vs Liverpool.

It's not yet clear what decision was being decided by the governing panel at the time but the image has caused widespread disbelief among football fans, with those of the Gunners and the Reds, in particular, the most shocked by the situation.

The match between the two Premier League title challengers ended in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium, with Liverpool twice responding through Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah to secure a point in north London.

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There were also a number of big decisions made throughout the match, with VAR being called upon for Arsenal's second goal of the game as Mikel Merino put the hosts 2-1 ahead late into the first-half.

Yet the header was immediately reviewed by VAR, as it was unclear whether Merino was onside. The goal was eventually awarded following a lengthy review, leaving some Liverpool fans baffled.

The Premier League's official "Match Centre" account on X explained why the goal was allowed to stand, writing: "The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR as there were no attackers in an offside position."

But whether the alarming image of one of the officials with the FPL app open was taken from that decision, or another, is not yet clear. Either way, it's set to cause further controversy for VAR as it battles to win fans and players over.

According to one eagle-eyed fan, the VAR official had the 'transfer tab' open, suggesting he was already making transfers ahead of next weekends games.

This incident will now raise further concern surrounding the focus of VAR officials during games, as well as the seriousness of its use in the Premier League.

Thankfully for Liverpool no VAR decisions went against it, although the point unfortunately isn't enough to take them back to the top of the Premier League following Manchester City's victory over Southampton on Saturday.