UEFA has explained why Liverpool was denied a penalty against Real Madrid following the controversy surrounding the first half of the Champions League clash at Anfield.
The Reds were originally awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area after Dominik Szoboszlai's strike struck the hand of Aurelien Tchouameni as the midfielder slid to try and block the effort.
Replays showed that Tchouameni's arm was actually inside the box when the ball struck him, and when referee Istvan Kovacs was sent to the screen by VAR, it was assumed that Liverpool would be awarded a spot-kick, despite the protests from Real's players.
After reviewing the footage though, Kovacs decided to reverse his decision, with Liverpool denied a penalty or a free-kick.
UEFA has subsequently given an explanation as to why Kovacs made his decision, saying: "The ball touched the left arm of Real Madrid's player No14, which was close to the body in a natural position."
The decision caused major confusion inside Anfield, with supporters expecting the penalty to be awarded once Kovacs had been sent to the screen. Even former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg was caught by surprise as he admitted to disagreeing with the eventual call.
Referee Istvan Kovacs overturns Aurelien Tchouameni's handball during Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Referee Istvan Kovacs overturns Aurelien Tchouameni's handball during Liverpool vs Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images)
"So what the VAR’s done, in his opinion, because Istvan Kovacs has given the handball, which I think it’s a handball, he’s made his body bigger, so I don’t agree," Clattenburg said while on commentary for Amazon Prime Video.
"I agree with the referee’s initial decision of handball, and once it’s handball, the handball is inside the penalty area. What Istvan Kovacs is now saying, it’s not a handball, therefore he doesn’t believe that the defender made his body bigger.
"You can clearly see the ball touching the hand. That’s why the VAR has recommended a review, saying the decision is wrong to give the handball, but I disagree, I think this is a handball."
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The decision to deny Liverpool the penalty ramped up the tensions inside Anfield on an already fiery night as Trent Alexander-Arnold made his return to his old club.
The former Reds vice-captain was booed as he made his way onto the pitch with Real Madrid's players to warm up, having been named on the bench by Xabi Alonso.
Liverpool.com says: Confusion all round. You can certainly argue whether it was a handball, and it feels like one that wouldn't have been given in the Premier League, but once the referee made his decision, it is odd that VAR convinced him to change his mind, considering the ball definitely hit Tchouameni's hand.