The Premier League’s most intense rivalry once again descended into controversy as Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United was overshadowed by a highly-debated handball incident involving Amad Diallo.
The flashpoint came midway through the first half when Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross struck Amad’s outstretched arm inside the penalty area. Anfield roared for a penalty, but referee Anthony Taylor waved play on after a brief VAR check — a decision that infuriated Liverpool fans and manager Arne Slot.
Now, after hours of growing outrage and online debates, the Premier League has officially released a statement clarifying why the penalty was not awarded.
The Incident That Changed the Game
The moment occurred in the 38th minute of a tightly contested first half. Liverpool were pressing hard, seeking an opener to break United’s defensive resistance. As Szoboszlai whipped in a cross from the right flank, the ball clearly deflected off Amad Diallo’s left arm before being cleared away by Harry Maguire.
Replays showed the ball hit Amad’s arm at close range, sparking an immediate appeal from Liverpool players, led by captain Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
However, after a brief consultation with VAR official Darren England, the referee signaled for play to continue — prompting furious reactions from the stands and confusion among commentators and fans alike.
Premier League’s Official Statement
Hours after the game, the Premier League released a detailed explanation on its website regarding the decision:
“Following the VAR review of the handball incident involving Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, it was determined that the player’s arm was in a natural position and that there was no deliberate movement toward the ball. The proximity and speed of the deflection were also considered. Therefore, the on-field decision of no penalty was upheld.”
The statement continued:
“The VAR officials followed protocol and determined that the incident did not meet the threshold for a clear and obvious error. As a result, play was correctly allowed to continue.”
Arne Slot’s Furious Reaction: “I Can’t Believe It”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot didn’t hold back in his post-match comments, calling the decision “unacceptable” and “a disgrace to the spirit of fair play.”
“We all saw it. His arm was away from his body — that’s a handball anywhere else on the pitch,” Slot told Sky Sports after the game. “I’ve watched it again three times, and I can’t understand how VAR didn’t intervene. If we’re serious about consistency, then this can’t keep happening.”
Slot’s comments have since gone viral, with Liverpool fans flooding social media demanding accountability from the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Fans Outraged: “VAR Has Destroyed the Game”
Within minutes of the final whistle, #VAR and #AmadHandball were trending across X (formerly Twitter), as thousands of supporters vented their frustration.
One fan posted:
“It’s getting ridiculous. Every week, different rules for different teams. That’s a clear penalty — no excuses.”
Another wrote:
“We’re told VAR is there for ‘clear errors.’ What’s clearer than a player blocking a cross with his arm inside the box?”
Some even accused officials of bias, pointing out a similar incident earlier this season where Liverpool were penalized for a far less obvious handball.
“When it’s Liverpool, they call it ‘too close.’ When it’s against Liverpool, they call it ‘unnatural position.’ Enough is enough.”
Pundits Divided Over the Decision
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Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg defended the officials’ call, arguing that “the proximity” of the deflection made it “almost impossible” for Amad to react.
“It’s harsh, but by the letter of the law, it’s not a penalty,” Clattenburg said on ESPN. “VAR can’t give that unless the arm clearly moves toward the ball.”
However, Jamie Carragher strongly disagreed during Sky Sports’ post-match analysis.
“If that’s not handball, then what is? His arm’s out, the ball changes direction, and Liverpool lose possession because of it. You can’t just ignore that in a game of this magnitude.”
The Decision’s Impact on the Game
At the time of the incident, the game was still goalless. A penalty in that moment could have completely changed the momentum for Liverpool, who went on to concede twice before Szoboszlai’s late consolation.
Fans and analysts alike have suggested that the psychological effect of the non-call lingered, with Liverpool players appearing visibly distracted and agitated afterward.
United, meanwhile, took full advantage of Liverpool’s frustration — pressing high, winning duels, and capitalizing on defensive lapses to secure their first win at Anfield in over six years.
FA and PGMOL to Review Incident
According to The Times, the FA and PGMOL are now set to conduct an internal review of the officiating team’s decisions during the match. While the Premier League has backed the explanation given, pressure is mounting for greater transparency and consistency in VAR operations.
Former officials and ex-players have long called for VAR audio between referees and VAR rooms to be made public — something fans are now demanding in the wake of this latest controversy.
“We deserve to hear how these decisions are made,” one fan group wrote in an open letter to the FA. “Every week we’re told it’s ‘by the rules,’ but the rules keep changing.”
Liverpool’s Next Steps
While Liverpool are not expected to appeal the result — as on-field decisions cannot be overturned once confirmed — Arne Slot and his team will likely push for explanations in the official referee review meeting scheduled for later this week.
The defeat not only dents Liverpool’s title hopes but also reignites the long-standing debate over VAR’s reliability and fairness in the Premier League.
Van Dijk summarized the team’s mood perfectly after the game:
“It’s frustrating because you feel powerless. You do everything right, but one decision changes everything.”
Conclusion: Another VAR Storm in English Football
The Premier League’s explanation may clarify the technical reasoning behind the no-penalty call, but for Liverpool fans, it does little to ease the frustration of yet another controversial night at Anfield.
In a season already full of high-stakes drama, this incident adds another chapter to football’s never-ending debate: is VAR fixing problems — or creating new ones?
One thing is certain — Sunday’s match will be remembered not just for Manchester United’s victory, but for the decision that left Liverpool fans fuming, their title hopes shaken, and the football world once again questioning the integrity of officiating in England’s top flight.