Premier League explains Liverpool handball decision vs. Man Utd after Michael Oliver call

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The Premier League has explained why a penalty was not given against Amad in the early stages of Liverpool's game against Manchester United on Sunday. The hosts had hoped to earn a spot-kick in the 18th minute when a Cody Gakpo cross was blocked by Amad's arm.

While it was a significant deflection off the player's outstretched arm, the short distance the ball travelled proved significant in a penalty not being given. Referee Michael Oliver felt it was not a foul and that decision was upheld by VAR.

Writing on its Match Centre account on X, the Premier League said: "The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Amad’s arm was in a natural and justifiable position." That was one of two controversial decisions in the first half of the game at Anfield. Ultimately, it came down to Oliver's on-field judgement.