Referee stops Tottenham vs Liverpool game to make historic statement

Referee stops Tottenham vs Liverpool game to make historic statement

Referee Stuart Attwell addressed supporters inside the stadium after Dominic Solanke's goal was disallowed against the Reds

Referee Stuart Attwell announced a decision during Liverpool's game against Spurs

Supporters heard from a referee inside the stadium for the first time in English football history on Wednesday night. Stuart Attwell addressed the fans to confirm Dominic Solanke's goal was disallowed in the clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final first leg.

Solanke thought he'd scored in the second half after latching onto a through ball, although on VAR review it was deemed to be offside. After confirmation of the decision, Attwell turned on his microphone and explained the ruling for all the supporters to hear at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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"After a review Dominic Solanke was in an offside position in the build-up to the goal," he said.

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The moment marks the first time in English football where a referee has explained their decision over the tannoy to the supporters after a VAR review. It is an innovation that is being trialled across the two semi-finals.

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The system was also in place at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night for the clash between Arsenal and Newcastle United, although it was not required as the Magpies ran out 2-0 winners.

The EFL later clarified the Solanke offside decision themselves, writing on X: "Solanke’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that he was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

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