Liverpool’s Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher were both surprised after a penalty for handball against Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard was not awarded.
Martin Odegaard was not penalized for handball against Liverpool.
Officials initially denied the Reds entry into Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash between Jurgen Klopp’s and Mikel Arteta’s sides, which will determine who leads the way on Christmas Day.
It’s only been four minutes. When Gabriel Magalhaes headed in Odegaard’s free kick in front of the Kop, Anfield was stunned.
The supplier then appeared to handle the ball in the penalty area midway through the first half, almost proving his team’s undoing. Mohamed Salah’s close-range flick-on struck the Norwegian with his hand low above the turf.
On-field official Chris Kavanagh missed it, allowing the visitors to counterattack. While that was going on, the incident was referred to VAR David Coote, who decided not to draw play back and award a spot kick to the Reds after reviewing it.
Former Manchester United defender Neville sided with Liverpool, calling Odegaard “lucky” on Sky Sports commentary.
He reviewed the replays after initially fearing the Arsenal captain was in trouble and decided, “I think he may just slip there.” His right leg is slipping, causing his left arm to drop. That, I believe, is what ultimately saves him.
“I think he’s lucky but it might be that his foot gives way which means he puts his arm down to try and rebalance and that saves him.”
Carragher later reviewed the VAR’s decision and concluded that Odegaard got away with it.
“I think that’s a penalty, he’s very fortunate there (Martin) Odegaard,” he added. “There could be something in the slip, but I believe that is a penalty.” We saw something similar against Aston Villa last night, when we thought they were unlucky not to get one after a slip.”
Sky Sports revealed PGMOL’s official reasons for Liverpool not receiving the penalty at halftime. They claimed it was “not a clear and obvious error because Odegaard’s arm is moving towards the body rather than the ball as he goes down.”
After 29 minutes, Salah leveled the score for the hosts with a spectacular solo strike, setting up a vital second half.