Liverpool initially had a goal awarded against Galatasaray before VAR intervened and ruled there was a handball offence, leaving the score at 1-0 in the Champions League tie.
Whether Liverpool deserved an equaliser is up for debate, but the ball was in the back of the net in the second half, and the referee did point to the centre circle.
VAR, however, intervened and chalked the goal off, with the score restored to 1-0, and it stayed that way when the full-time whistle sounded.
On first look, the corner delivery looked to have been bundled over by a sea of bodies, only for closer inspection to see the ball bounce off Ibrahima Konate‘s right arm.
There were several touches that followed, including from the Galatasaray goalkeeper and Virgil van Dijk, but VAR deemed, despite the deflections, it would have been Konate’s goal.
As the Frenchman was adjudged to have had the decisive touch, it was disallowed for a handball offence.
Why Liverpool’s goal was ruled out vs. Galatasaray
Liverpool are denied an equaliser against Galatasary as VAR recognises a handball from Ibrahima Konate ?
? @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/42ZUzV7H0S
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 10, 2026
BBC’s VAR expert Dale Johnson offered a comment and insight on the situation on X, explaining that, “VAR is saying that the ball hit Konate’s arm twice.
“Firstly from the corner delivery, and then after the ball came off Van Dijk’s heel.
“If that is the case, it would make it Konate’s goal, and correct to rule out Liverpool’s goal without an on-field review.”
Footage from behind the goal will be pointed to by Liverpool supporters as it shows the ball bouncing off two other players after the accidental handball before landing in the back of the net.
What Arne Slot had to say about the disallowed goal
Asked in his post-match press conference if he felt VAR’s decision was correct, Slot explained that it was “difficult for him to judge,” but he was more frustrated by the referee’s favouring of the home side.
“It’s always very difficult to talk to referees in situations like this, because they have communication with the VAR, so they have to listen to what’s being said,” he started.
“If it’s correct that the goal was disallowed, which is difficult for me to judge, because I hear different opinions from people.
“It’s not completely obvious, so that is already one thing. But let’s say that decision was right, then I was even more frustrated about the fact that every free-kick and every corner kick we took, we (referees) only looked at Galatasaray players.
“The referee already gave a free kick for Galatasaray. And if you then look at how much they pulled on Virgil’s shirt before the ball hit Ibou’s arm, then it’s safe to say that we were not the only one impressed by the atmosphere here today.”