Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks on VAR decision following released audio

Trent Alexander-Arnold has insisted Liverpool's focus on is on the next game, amid the ongoing VAR debate.

On Tuesday, the referees' governing body PGMOL released audio recordings of the conversations between referee Simon Hooper, VAR Darren England and his assistant Dan Cook during Luis Diaz's incorrectly adjudged offside goal in Saturday's defeat to Tottenham.

Prior to the audio's public release, Liverpool put out a statement vowing to “explore the range of options available, given the clear need for escalation and resolution”, while calling for a review into the incident.

The PGMOL are conducting an internal investigation, while England and Cook have not been selected for officiating duties in gameweek eight of the Premier League, following the blunder.

Speaking ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Union Saint-Gilloise, vice-captain Alexander-Arnold admitted the decision was 'disappointing and frustrating' but insisted the team is looking ahead.

He said, as quoted by Liverpoolfc.com: "What happened? Yes, we've spoken about things but our focus is on the game tomorrow now. There is nothing we can do as players about what has gone on. It's passed. We now focus on a different competition and a big three points for what we want to achieve.

"I think decisions are decisions, sometimes they go for you and sometimes they go against you. What happened on the weekend for us as players and as a team is very disappointing and frustrating. But, like I say, it's passed us. There is nothing we can do as players now; the game has gone.

"We have just got to move forward and put it past us. VAR is a system that is in place, and it is something we can't control as players. We've got to put our trust in the referees and the officials that use it and hope that they get the decisions right, and at times they don't and at times they do. We've just got to hope that they get the decisions right as much as possible."

READ MORE: What do Liverpool actually want from VAR review and why is it important?

Liverpool have displayed an extraordinary ability to bounce back this season. They pulled the game back to 1-1 despite going down to ten men against Spurs – though they ultimately lost the match – and have won games despite conceding the first goal in five separate matches so far in 2023/24.

Addressing the Reds' resilience and mentality, Alexander-Arnold said: "It is not something you can learn, but I think it is something we show as a team, and it comes from the manager down to us.

"I think the players that have been around for a while, the players that have won everything with the club and the players that have experienced all of these things, we know what it takes and we know what is demanded. And when new players and young players come through, we demand that from them and show them what is needed to be a successful team. I think we've been able to show that so far and I think everyone has bought into it. So, it's an exciting time."

Saturday's controversy-filled defeat in London marked Liverpool's first defeat of the season in any competition. Despite the loss after going down to nine men, Alexander-Arnold insists the Reds are 'proud' of their fighting display.

"On Saturday it was an outstanding performance in the circumstances we were in," he said. "We are proud of what we did and we could've easily come away with a point there."