Controversial decision
Fans were left baffled and outraged as Liverpool were aware a controversial penalty in the closing stages of their game against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were leading 2-1 at the time after first-half goals from Virgil Van Dijk and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put the Reds in front, before Odsonne Édouard pulled one back.
With Palace putting on the pressure at Selhurst Park, Liverpool looked to extend their lead and end the hosts’ chance of finding an equaliser.
As Diogo Jota ran through on goal to reach a lofted ball over the top, Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita came off his line and collided with the Portugal international.
Following a lengthy look at the challenge, VAR gave the decision to award the penalty – much to the dismay of Patrick Vieira and just about everybody else.
Seemingly universal agreement on the timeline that this is not a penalty, and yet… pic.twitter.com/c0ZUHmdQ8o
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) January 23, 2022
Fabinho slotted home the resulting spot-kick, but fans could be heard shouting jeers at referee Kevin Friend, whilst many took to Twitter to voice their opinions.
Gary Lineker said: “That Is Not A Penalty. Never in a million years.”
That Is Not A Penalty. Never in a million years.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 23, 2022
His fellow Match of the Day partner Alan Shearer also agreed, criticising the use of VAR as he said: “Joke decision VAR. Never a pen #CRYLIV”
Joke decision VAR. Never a pen #CRYLIV
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) January 23, 2022
Jamie Carragher, who was on commentary duty for the game, tweeted afterwards: “Great game, both teams brilliant and awful through the 90 mins. Big three points for Liverpool,” adding “never a pen!”
#CRYLIV great game, both teams brilliant & awful through the 90 mins! Big 3 points for @LFC never a pen!
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) January 23, 2022
Meanwhile many Liverpool fans admitted they were surprised to see the penalty given.
One wrote: “Shocked that’s been given, he lost control and stepped into the keeper. Not sure what any of the officials have seen there.”
Shocked that's been given, he lost control and stepped into the keeper. Not sure what any of the officials have seen there
— Dan (@DACrookster) January 23, 2022
Footage from Selhurst Park at full-time also showed the anger Palace fans had towards the officials as they walked down the tunnel in South London.
The Palace fans make their feelings clear towards the match officials#LFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/JsileljliW
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) January 23, 2022
Related links:
- West Ham fan’s laughable attempt to prove Edinson Cavani was offside goes viral
- Premier League clubs to consider legal action if postponement rules change
- Clevedon Town score non-league goal of the season with ridiculous volley
