Mark Clattenburg has criticised a decision to deny Liverpool a penalty in their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
Arne Slot's side were facing Los Blancos at Anfield on Tuesday night when they had an opportunity to take the lead against Xabi Alonso's side.
Picking up the ball outside the area, Dominik Szoboszlai let fly with a shot that was blocked by Aurelien Tchouameni.
At first glance, referee Istvan Kovac awarded the Reds a free-kick after the shot appeared to be blocked by the French midfielder's arm. However, that was just the start of a hugely controversial few moments as VAR intervened.
Liverpool Vs Real Madrid VAR Intervention Explained
dominik szoboszlai
Despite Kovac awarding Liverpool a free-kick on the edge of the area, the referee was advised to make his way to the VAR screen in order to review the incident once again.
While many would have expected that the free-kick decision could be overturned, VAR isn't able to overturn free-kick decisions. However, the decision could, in theory, have been changed to a penalty kick.
But following the VAR review, Kovac ruled that no offence occurred and, as a result, the game continued — a decision which wasn't met with the approval of ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg.
sss
Was it a handball!? 👀
Liverpool are denied a penalty after VAR review ❌ pic.twitter.com/CLesyTkPDj
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) November 4, 2025
Speaking on Amazon Prime's coverage, Clattenburg explained the decision, saying: "What the VAR has done, in his opinion, is because Istvan Kovac has given the handball - and I agree with his decision to give a handball because the defender has made his body bigger, so I agree with the initial decision of handball - but once it's handball, the handball is in the penalty area.
"Istvan Kovac is now saying that it's not a handball, therefore he doesn't believe that the defender made his body bigger because you can clearly see the ball touching his hand. That's why the VAR has recommended a review to say that the decision is wrong to give the handball. I disagree, I think it is handball."
As a result, the score remained 0-0 at Anfield with Real Madrid facing a lucky escape late in the first half.