Liverpool was unfortunate against Manchester United with Benjamin Sesko's goal allowed to stand after a VAR check, but Howard Webb admitting that it probably shouldn't have been
21:53, 12 May 2026
Howard Webb speaks on Match Officials Mic'd Up
Howard Webb speaks on Match Officials Mic'd Up
Referee's chief Howard Webb has clarified that VAR's decision to allow Benjamin Sesko's controversial 'handball' goal against Liverpool stood due to a lack of conclusive evidence.
The Reds suffered a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United earlier this month, a result which could have proven damaging to their prospects of securing Champions League qualification.
Matheus Cunha broke the deadlock at Old Trafford just six minutes in, before Sesko doubled United's advantage a mere eight minutes later. Although United went into the interval with a commanding lead, Liverpool demonstrated great resilience to draw level early in the second half, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo both finding the net.
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A draw might have been considered a respectable outcome for Arne Slot's side given United's recent form, but it was not to be. Kobbie Mainoo struck the decisive blow with just 13 minutes of normal time remaining, ensuring all three points stayed in Greater Manchester.
Nevertheless, many supporters will have felt aggrieved, particularly given the contentious nature of Sesko's finish. Luke Shaw delivered a deep ball into the box, with Bruno Fernandes heading it back across the goal towards the Slovenian striker.
Although Freddie Woodman managed to get a hand to the ball to disrupt its flight, it ultimately cannoned off Sesko's midriff and into the net. Close-up replays appeared to show the ball grazing Sesko's fingers before it crossed the line, prompting VAR to assess whether a handball offense had been committed.
Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United scores their side's second goal past Freddie Woodman of Liverpool
Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United scores their side's second goal past Freddie Woodman of Liverpool(Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Following a considerable delay, play continued with United leading Liverpool 2-0, much to the frustration of Reds players and supporters worldwide. Nevertheless, Webb has since confirmed that VAR officials were correct to uphold the goal, considering the ambiguity over whether an infringement had occurred.
Speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up, the 54-year-old stated: "I think the clip kind of speaks for itself, doesn't it, really? I'm pretty much with you.
"I think it probably does hit the hand. But of course, the VARs need that conclusivity. They need to be absolutely certain that it does.
"And it doesn't matter what we think, does it? It matters what they think. And we do ask them to be sure that something needs acting upon. Clearly, Sesko doesn't deliberately handle this. He doesn't make himself bigger. It's all very natural.
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"But, of course, the Laws of the Game require any goal that comes off the hand immediately, or where the player scores immediately after hitting the arm, then it has to be disallowed, and that means the VAR has no option but to start looking for that.
"Sometimes it looks like they're being a bit too forensic, and you hear, in this situation, the VAR looking from various angles. They want to get it right.
"If it does conclusively come off the arm, but they don't get to that level of certainty, they probably think it probably does as well, but they need to be absolutely categorical to get involved, and they weren't able to find it, and hence the reason that the on-field decision stood."
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Liverpool.com says: The goal should not have stood, but that wasn't the reason that the Reds dropped points. They should have performed a lot better at Old Trafford but were unable to compete in the first half due to a slow start.