Sports

Liverpool Frustrated By VAR As Gabriel Goes Unpunished For Handball

Published

3 years ago

October 9, 2022

Liverpool Frustrated By VAR As Gabriel Goes Unpunished For Handball

Liverpool supporters are gutted by the referee’s decision of not awarding a penalty for Gabriel’s handball.

The Reds thought they should have been awarded a penalty in the first half of their Premier League clash away to Arsenal on Sunday.

Diogo Jota’s cross clearly struck Gabriel on the arm, which was in an unnatural position, but the referee waved play on and VAR chose not to intervene.

In fairness to Gabriel, there probably was little he could do to get out of the way as Jota was very close when he struck the ball.

However, penalties have been awarded in recent times following similar actions in the Premier League and it is a lack of consistency that is a frustration for many.

As usual, Twitter was awash with opinions, with many believing the Reds should have had a penalty.

But the call went Arsenal’s way and the Gunners were able to stay in front, courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli‘s first-minute goal.

Uruguay attacker Darwin Nunez later leveled for Liverpool, but Bukayo Saka put Mikel Arteta’s side back in front right at the end of the first half.

Roberto Firmino then made it 2-2 eight minutes into the second period.

So a clear handball pen is not given, and then this soft one is. Two goal swing. And a week ago, Arsenal benefited from the softest straight red card you’ll see.
— Mighty Hams (@TheMightyHams) October 9, 2022

Yes, that should have been a penalty for a clear handball by Gabriel pic.twitter.com/b0U87vJ1Dx
— Has the Referee or VAR made a poor decision? (@PoorEPLreferees) October 9, 2022