Controversial Handball Incident in Liverpool vs. Arsenal Match

In a recent match between Liverpool and Arsenal, midfielder Martin Odegaard’s handball incident caused quite a stir. Despite the referee and VAR deciding that it did not warrant a penalty, one of Odegaard’s own teammates admitted that it should have.

The Handball Incident

During the first half of the match, Odegaard clearly handled the ball in the penalty area. However, the foul was waved away by the officials. Odegaard claimed that he slipped and used his hand to balance himself in a natural movement, but it appeared more like he was dribbling the ball like a basketball. This denied a clear opportunity for Liverpool’s Salah, who would have been through on goal if Odegaard had not intervened.

VAR David Coote chose not to instruct referee Chris Kavanagh to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, dismissing any penalty claims.

Opinions on the Incident

While play continued and Salah later scored a stunning goal to cancel out Gabriel’s opener, it was clear that Liverpool should have had a chance to equalize earlier on. Arsenal center-back William Saliba even admitted that he believed it was a penalty when asked by Norwegian broadcaster Viaplay. Saliba laughed off the question and stated that although he thought it was a penalty, he is not the referee and they have to accept the decision.

It is worth noting that Liverpool had several chances to take the lead in the second half, with opportunities emerging after a high press forced Arsenal defenders into mistakes. However, players like Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz were unable to convert these chances into goals. The biggest opportunity fell to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who failed to find the back of the net in a five-on-one situation when Salah passed to him.

Despite Saliba’s admission, it seems that only the officials believed that Odegaard’s handball did not warrant a penalty. The incident has sparked controversy and debate among fans and pundits alike.