'Who's made the call?' - Ex-FIFA ref reacts as Dominik Szoboszlai controversy 'ignored' in Liverpool v Arsenal
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Credit: Sky Sports / Imago
Harri Burton
Tue 2 September 2025 15:37, UK
Chris Kavanagh should have reviewed the handball call against Dominik Szoboszlai as Liverpool beat Arsenal at Anfield, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while the match-winner should not have been punished, it was disappointing not to see the referee investigate the incident.
Six minutes into the seven minutes of added time on Sunday, 31 August, as the Gunners searched for a much-needed equaliser, the ball appeared to strike Szoboszlai on the arm inside the penalty area.
While there was a quick review from VAR, Hackett believes that Kavanagh, who was slammed for his display in Man United versus Fulham, should have checked the pitchside monitor.
This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.
The Hungary international was set to be named Man of the Match before his stunning free-kick, producing a moment of brilliance in the 83rd minute of a game which lacked excitement.
Szoboszlai left David Raya in absolute amazement following his long-range effort, but it could have all come crumbling down in the final seconds after a ball hit his arm in the penalty area.
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Although Hackett believes the correct decision was reached, it was a far too quick a check from VAR, and that the referee should have re-analysed the incident before allowing play to continue.
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Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Well, it certainly struck his arm, and it came in from a distance.
What I would have expected on that is, or what I would like to see, is the referee take control.
“Have another look.
The referee hasn’t made the call, and neither has the VAR.
And therefore, an incident that is subjective is just ignored.
“I think that this highlights the way in which VAR and its operators are inconsistent.
Because we’ve actually seen penalty kicks awarded for a similar type of simulation, where the ball has struck the arm, and it’s coming from some distance.
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“Now, my view is that I don’t think it’s a penalty kick, because I saw the arm was in a natural position.
Where you get suspicious is when the elbow goes above shoulder level.
“I think that it’s not a penalty kick, but it’s one of those that is subjective, and the referee could come in and have a second look.”