BREAKING NEWS: Premier League Explains Controversial VAR Decision: Why Liverpool Didn’t Get Penalty for Amad Diallo Handball

Anfield was roaring. The energy was fierce. But what should have been another unforgettable clash between Liverpool and Manchester United turned into one of the most talked-about controversies of the Premier League season. Once again, VAR found itself at the center of English football’s most heated debate — this time for denying Liverpool a penalty after what looked like a clear handball by Amad Diallo.

The flashpoint came midway through the first half, just as Liverpool began to find rhythm in their pressing. Dominik Szoboszlai fired a powerful cross into the box, only for the ball to strike Amad’s outstretched arm. Every Liverpool player within sight of the incident threw their hands up in protest, demanding a penalty. The fans inside Anfield followed with deafening screams, expecting Anthony Taylor to point to the spot.

But to the disbelief of the crowd, the referee waved play on. After a brief pause for a VAR check, the decision stood — no penalty. The reaction was instant and explosive. Liverpool manager Arne Slot was seen shaking his head furiously on the sidelines, while Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk surrounded the referee in frustration.

Replays clearly showed the ball making contact with Amad Diallo’s arm after deflecting off his thigh. To the naked eye, it looked like the Manchester United winger had blocked a dangerous cross that could have easily led to a goal. The outrage spread quickly on social media, where Liverpool fans accused VAR of inconsistency and bias, reigniting the age-old debate about fairness in Premier League officiating.

Hours later, the Premier League released an official statement attempting to cool the flames. According to the league, VAR followed proper protocol and determined that Amad’s arm position was “natural” given the circumstances of the play. The statement read: “Following the review of the handball incident involving Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, it was judged that the player’s arm was not in an unnatural position, and there was no deliberate movement toward the ball. Considering the close proximity and speed of deflection, the on-field decision of no penalty was upheld.”

The league further explained that the situation did not meet the threshold for a “clear and obvious error,” meaning VAR could not overrule the referee’s original judgment. But this explanation did little to calm the storm brewing among Liverpool supporters. Many fans saw it as yet another example of VAR being used inconsistently, depending on which team is involved.

Arne Slot, visibly angered after the final whistle, didn’t mince his words. “It’s beyond belief,” he told reporters. “We’ve seen penalties given for far less than that. His arm is away from his body — how can that be natural? I’ve watched it again and again, and it’s a handball. Everyone in the stadium saw it except the people who were supposed to.” His comments immediately went viral, with fans and pundits alike echoing his frustration.

The fury from the Liverpool camp was shared by their fanbase online. Hashtags like #AmadHandball and #VARDisgrace trended across X (formerly Twitter) within minutes. One furious fan wrote, “So when it’s Liverpool, it’s ‘too close to call,’ but when it’s against us, it’s a penalty in seconds. This league is becoming a joke.” Others demanded accountability from the PGMOL, the body responsible for match officials in English football, insisting that VAR decisions be made public for transparency.

Not everyone agreed, however. Former referee Mark Clattenburg came to the defense of VAR officials. “It’s a close-range deflection,” he explained on ESPN. “There’s no intent, and his arm doesn’t move toward the ball. It’s the correct call under the current laws of the game.” But Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was having none of it. “The laws of the game are being used to justify poor decisions,” Carragher said during Sky Sports’ post-match show. “If that’s not a handball, then the rule means nothing. It stops a cross, it affects play — that’s a penalty.”

The missed call proved to be a turning point. Moments later, Manchester United grew in confidence, taking control of the game and eventually scoring twice through Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Liverpool did manage a late goal from Szoboszlai, but the damage had already been done. The 2-1 loss not only ended Liverpool’s home unbeaten run but also left their title hopes hanging by a thread.

According to The Times, both the FA and PGMOL will review the incident as part of their standard post-match analysis. While no disciplinary action is expected, the review could reignite discussions about making VAR audio exchanges public — a move many believe would bring much-needed clarity to controversial decisions. Fan groups have even drafted open letters to the Premier League, demanding reform.

For Liverpool, the sense of injustice lingers. This isn’t the first time VAR decisions have gone against them in critical matches. Last season’s disallowed goal at Tottenham and now the Amad Diallo handball have added to a growing list of frustrations that have left players, coaches, and supporters questioning the system’s integrity.

Captain Virgil van Dijk summarized the team’s emotions after the match: “You work so hard, and then one decision changes everything. It’s not just about today — it’s about consistency. We ask for fairness, nothing more.”

As debates rage on, one thing is clear: VAR remains one of football’s most divisive technologies. The Premier League’s explanation may outline the rules, but it hasn’t quelled the anger. For Liverpool fans, it feels like justice was denied. For Manchester United, it was a moment of fortune that helped them claim a historic victory at Anfield.

In the end, Sunday’s clash will be remembered not just for United’s win, but for the controversy that once again left fans questioning whether the pursuit of perfection through technology has made football more fair — or more flawed.