UEFA explains controversial decision as Liverpool denied penalty vs Real Madrid

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UEFA has subsequently given an explanation as to why Kovacs made his decision, saying: "The ball touched the left arm of Real Madrid's player No14, which was close to the body in a natural position." The decision caused major confusion inside Anfield, with supporters expecting the penalty to be awarded once Kovacs had been sent to the screen. "So what the VAR’s done, in his opinion, because Istvan Kovacs has given the handball, which I think it’s a handball, he’s made his body bigger, so I don’t agree," Clattenburg said while on commentary for Amazon Prime Video.

"I agree with the referee’s initial decision of handball, and once it’s handball, the handball is inside the penalty area. What Istvan Kovacs is now saying, it’s not a handball, therefore he doesn’t believe that the defender made his body bigger.

That’s why the VAR has recommended a review, saying the decision is wrong to give the handball, but I disagree, I think this is a handball." The decision to deny Liverpool the penalty ramped up the tensions inside Anfield on an already fiery night as Trent Alexander-Arnold made his return to his old club. You can certainly argue whether it was a handball, and it feels like one that wouldn't have been given in the Premier League, but once the referee made his decision, it is odd that VAR convinced him to change his mind, considering the ball definitely hit Tchouameni's hand.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.