Jurgen Klopp Baffled by VAR Decision to Deny Liverpool Penalty Against Arsenal
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his disbelief at the VAR decision that denied his team a penalty in their match against Arsenal. Klopp described the incident as a “clear handball” by Martin Odegaard, leaving him puzzled by the VAR’s judgment.
The Controversial Handball Incident
During the game at Anfield, Liverpool was trailing 1-0 when Martin Odegaard handled the ball in the penalty area while under pressure from Mohamed Salah. The movement of Odegaard’s arm was unnatural, causing the ball to bounce off the turf as he slipped. However, VAR referee David Coote deemed it unintentional and allowed play to continue.
VAR’s Explanation and Klopp’s Reaction
VAR, as explained by Sky Sports presenter David Jones, stated that they believed Odegaard’s hand was moving back towards his body as he fell. This explanation seemed strange given the clear evidence of a handball. Klopp questioned why referee Chris Kavanagh was not referred to the pitchside monitor for a closer review.
“Someone will explain it to me & tell me it wasn’t a handball, but I don’t know how” ?
Jurgen Klopp doesn’t understand why Liverpool weren’t given a penalty against Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/fN4Ayda1ep
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 23, 2023
Klopp expressed his confusion over the decision, stating, “I’m pretty sure somebody will explain it to me, that it wasn’t a handball. But I don’t know how.” He acknowledged that he couldn’t determine the referee’s perspective during the incident but questioned why the VAR officials did not review it more thoroughly.
Klopp’s Humorous Take and Firm Belief
In his post-match press conference, Klopp jokingly mentioned that former referee Dermot Gallagher, known for his appearances on Sky Sports’ ‘Ref Watch,’ would find a way to support the decision made by his colleagues. However, Klopp remained steadfast in his belief that it was a “clear handball.”
Conclusion
Despite not seeing the incident during the game, Klopp agreed with the consensus that it was indeed a handball. He expressed his willingness to wait for Dermot Gallagher’s explanation the following day but maintained his conviction that it was a clear handball.
Watch Jurgen Klopp’s post-match press conference here.