Mark Clattenburg claims VAR error cost Liverpool in 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid

Llorente found the net just before half-time, slotting past Alisson in stoppage time. The Liverpool keeper was quick to protest, with Antoine Griezmann standing in an offside position right in front of him.

Despite the complaints, the goal stood. Atletico almost walked away with a point after Llorente found the net again in the 81st minute, only for Virgil van Dijk to seal it for Liverpool deep into added time.

Speaking to TBR Football, Clattenburg shared his thoughts on that goal: “Atletico Madrid were awarded a goal just before half time and it has a suspicion of offside. Antoine Griezmann is clearly in an offside position close to the goalkeeper. For an offside to be called, Griezmann has to be in the line of the vision of the goalkeeper or affecting his ability to play the ball.

“When Marcos Llorente shoots to the goal, I believe that Ibrahima Konate is blocking the goalkeeper’s initial vision, but I also believe Griezmann to be affecting the goalkeeper’s vision when he is so close to the line of the ball, and also making a gesture to avoid the ball.

“This – in my opinion – affects Alisson’s ability to save the ball and therefore the goal should have been disallowed. My only opinion on why the goal was allowed to stand was that VAR believes Griezmann does not affect Alisson’s ability or wasn’t directly blocking his view. That part is subjective, but most would probably expect it to be called off.”

With 297 Premier League matches under his belt, and having officiated the 2016 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, Clattenburg’s opinions on officiating are highly valued.

Liverpool will feel relieved they still managed three points despite those controversial moments late on.