Duncan Ferguson calls out Premier League live on Skysports following her post after Iliman Ndiaye goal vs Liverpool controversially ruled out by VAR

Duncan Ferguson Slams VAR for ‘Robbing’ Iliman Ndiaye in Merseyside Derby as Premier League Releases Statement

In a fiery Merseyside derby at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, Liverpool edged out the Toffees 2-1 in a dramatic late thriller. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 29th minute, just minutes after Iliman Ndiaye thought he had given Everton a dream lead. Beto levelled for the hosts on 54 minutes before Virgil van Dijk headed home a stoppage-time winner in the 100th minute to secure all three points for Arne Slot’s side.The real flashpoint came in the 27th minute. Ndiaye turned home Jake O’Brien’s cross from close range, sparking wild celebrations among the home faithful as it looked set to be the first goal at the new stadium in a derby. But VAR intervened, ruling O’Brien marginally offside in the build-up. Semi-automated offside technology confirmed the call, and the goal was chalked off.

Everton legend Duncan Ferguson, speaking post-match, was furious with the decision. The former striker and ex-assistant manager did not hold back, slamming VAR for “robbing” Ndiaye and killing the momentum of what was shaping up as a classic encounter.

“That’s not a decision, that’s a robbery,” Ferguson told Sky Sports. “Iliman is flying, the stadium is rocking, and VAR wipes it out for a marginal call on O’Brien? We all saw it – it was tight, but these calls are killing the game. The technology is supposed to help, not erase moments like that. Everton were the better side early on and that goal would have changed everything. It’s not good enough at this level.”

The Premier League Match Centre quickly issued a statement via X confirming the overturn: “#EVELIV – 27′ VAR OVERTURN. VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that O’Brien was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”

The defeat leaves Everton battling at the wrong end of the table while Liverpool stay in the Champions League hunt. Ferguson’s blunt verdict will resonate with Toffees fans still smarting from yet another VAR controversy in a high-stakes derby.