Liverpool have confirmed their belief that VAR made a mistake in overturning the controversial penalty decision during their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
The incident unfolded in the first half at Anfield when Liverpool were initially awarded a penalty, only for VAR to reverse the decision moments later.
Former Champions League referee Mark Clattenburg stated that Liverpool were wrongfully denied the spot-kick, insisting that the VAR officials misjudged the situation. Despite a lively opening half, neither side managed to find the breakthrough — though this flashpoint dominated the discussion.
The controversy began when Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a powerful strike from distance, which appeared to strike the arm of Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni. Referee Istvan Kovacs first signalled for a free-kick just outside the box, but VAR advised him to review the footage at the pitchside monitor.
As Kovacs walked toward the screen, anticipation grew inside Anfield. Many expected the call to be upgraded to a penalty, with replays suggesting Tchouaméni’s arm was on or just inside the penalty area at the moment of contact.
However, after reviewing the incident, Kovacs made a surprising decision: he ruled that no handball had taken place at all. The reversal enraged Liverpool fans — and baffled Clattenburg, who argued that a penalty should have been awarded.
Clattenburg explained:
“It’s good that he had another chance to look at it. From the referee’s angle, he thinks it’s outside the box, but from the assistant’s view, the arm is clearly inside the area when the ball hits it.
“In these situations, VAR should recommend a review — and I expected the referee to change his mind.”
After the final call was confirmed, Clattenburg continued:
“What VAR seems to have decided is that the referee no longer considers it a handball. Personally, I think it was handball. And once you give handball, it’s inside the area — so it should be a penalty.
“But the referee now says it’s not handball because he doesn’t believe the defender made his body unnaturally bigger.”
Working alongside Clattenburg, Alan Shearer expressed frustration with the modern interpretation of the handball law:
“They’ve overcomplicated the whole handball rule — natural vs. unnatural positions, distance, speed of the ball. It used to be simple: was it deliberate or not?”
UEFA later released a statement to justify the ruling:
“VAR decision: no penalty. The ball touched the left arm of Real Madrid player No.14, which was close to the body in a natural position.”
Arne Slot, however, was furious with how the incident unfolded — especially because the original free-kick awarded to Liverpool was completely overturned, giving Real Madrid possession instead.
