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Credit: Sky Sports Main Event
Harri Burton
Fri 15 August 2025 20:51, UK
Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi was fortunate not to be punished for a handball offence against Liverpool, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while the initial contact with the arm was not enough for a free-kick to be given, the Argentine purposely made contact with his hand after.
It was a frantic start to the game at Anfield on Friday, 15 August, with Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah seeing shots saved by Djordje Petrovic, with the Cherries struggling to push up the field.
The Reds eventually took the lead through Ekitike in the 36th minute, building on his goal from the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace, sending Anfield wild.
Matters could have been even better for Arne Slot’s side in their opening game of the Premier League season had referee Anthony Taylor reached for his pocket, but VAR waved away the appeals.
As Ekitike looked to charge past Senesi as the last man with the scores goalless the ball brushed up off the defender before the Argentine took a swipe at it with his hand, with his fingertips appearing to divert it out of the forward’s path.
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This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
The Reds were adamant, not only should a free-kick have been awarded, but that Senesi should have been given his marching orders by Taylor, and Andoni Iraola’s men sent down to 10 men.
Alexis Mac Allister and Ekitike surrounded the referee before Virgil van Dijk walked over for a conversation, but it was no use as play continued.
Liverpool were furious with the decision at Anfield.
(Credit Imago)
The Anfield crowd was incensed by the decision, so too was Anfield, and now, Hackett has shared his thoughts on the matter, understanding why there was so much frustration around the stadium.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: There is no doubt that the ball hit the arm of the Bournemouth defender.
Therefore, the first part of that action was not an offence.
However, the defender clearly then bent forward, and his hand appeared to come into contact with the ball.
“In my opinion, the Bournemouth player is rather lucky to remain on the field of play.”
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