Inter Milan vs Liverpool ref watch: Three decisions Felix Zwayer got horribly wrong

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.

Credit: Imago / DFB YouTube / Inter Milan YouTube Tue 9 December 2025 22:00, UK Felix Zwayer had a colossal match-up on his hands as Inter Milan took on a struggling Liverpool side in the Champions League.Liverpool were fresh from their draw with Leeds United, letting a two-goal slip before conceding three second-half goals, and that was far from their worst concerns ahead of the clash.Arne Slot was forced to leave Mohamed Salah at home after his explosive interview at the weekend, suggesting that he had been “thrown under the bus” for his team’s poor form.Once the game was underway, it was an extremely hostile atmosphere, and one that the referee was forced to contend with, especially with some controversial decisions during Liverpool‘s 1-0 win.Ibrahima Konate crushed by harsh handball decisionIbrahima Konate has been under pressure, and he thought he had put his side ahead in Italy, only for a very lengthy VAR check to eventually rule it out for a handball just prior to the Frenchman heading home.It was not entirely clear whether the goal would stand or not, and after the referee awarded a free-kick against the Reds, Alan Shearer was beside himself with frustration. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES V harsh decision Was a big + much needed moment for Konate!

Ps why don’t the refs go to the monitor sooner to speed up play?— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 9, 2025 View Tweet The Premier League giants eventually scored, and some will feel that justice was served, but it was more a case of two wrongs trying to make a right.Marcus Thuram punished for perfect tackleWhile there was no yellow card for the Inter Milan striker, the Frenchman was punished in a dangerous area for a perfectly good tackle on Alexis Mac Allister.The Reds were unable to take advantage, but it certainly put the Italian giants under unnecessary pressure when the striker had tracked back to help his teammates out.Felix Zwayer falls for Florian Wirtz’s act of simulationIn the final five minutes, Alessandro Bastoni was punished for a shirt pull on Florian Wirtz, and Dominik Szoboszlai was on hand to fire the spot-kick past Yann Sommer.While the contact was undeniable, all the commentators were in agreement that it was far too soft, that Wirtz had conned the referee, and that Zwayer was wrong for being led by VAR.It is a decision that will be debated for weeks to come, especially at such a key moment in the game, and it is another example of the downfalls of VAR in football.