Liverpool get instant new referee penalty verdict after VAR flashpoint vs Real Madrid

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

Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool were originally awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Real Madrid box before the referee was sent to the VAR monitorFormer referee Mark Clattenberg felt that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty in the first-half of their Champions League clash against Real Madrid.The Reds had originally been awarded a free-kick on the edge of the 18-yard box after referee István Kovács adjudged Aurélien Tchouaméni to have handled the ball following Dominik Szoboszlai's shot from just outside the area.The official was sent to the monitor to review his decision, with those inside Anfield hopeful of a penalty kick being awarded.READ MORE: Jamie Carragher defends Liverpool reception of Trent Alexander-Arnold after CBS commentREAD MORE: What Trent Alexander-Arnold did after Liverpool boos speaks volumesHowever, the decision was overturned with Real Madrid awarded a drop ball after Tchouaméni's arm was deemed to be in a natural position.A UEFA statement read: "VAR decision: no penalty. The ball touched the left arm of Real Madrid's player No14, which was close to the body in a natural position."After the referee went to his screen, Clattenburg made his feelings clear.

He said: "What the VAR has done, in his opinion, because the referee has given a handball - and I think it's a handball by the way."I agree with the referee's initial decision of handball. Once it's handball, the handball is inside the penalty area."What the referee is now saying is that it's not a handball.

He doesn't believe the defender made his body bigger."Alan Shearer added: "They really have tied themselves in knots with this handball law, natural, unnatural, proximity. It would have been a lit simpler to say is it a deliberate handball or not."Watch Liverpool vs Real Madrid freeThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.