Why Liverpool Weren’t Awarded a Penalty vs Newcastle For Kieran Trippier Handball

Liverpool fans were left in disbelief during their Carabao Cup final clash against Newcastle United after a controversial handball incident involving Kieran Trippier. The Newcastle right-back appeared to handle the ball inside the penalty area, yet referee John Brooks and VAR decided against awarding a penalty. This decision has since sparked widespread debate, with EFL communications stepping in to explain why the Reds were not given a spot-kick.

The controversial moment occurred just before the 40-minute mark when Liverpool winger Luis Diaz contested an aerial duel with Trippier. The ball, looping towards the Newcastle penalty area, was expertly controlled by the former Tottenham Hotspur defender. However, as he attempted to bring it down, the ball appeared to bounce off his arm. Liverpool players, including Andy Robertson, immediately appealed for a penalty, but their protests were waved away by the referee.

Despite the strong appeals, VAR reviewed the incident and upheld Brooks’ decision. The explanation given by the officials centered around the interpretation of the handball rule, stating that Trippier’s arm was in a natural position and that there was no deliberate movement towards the ball. According to EFL communications, this was the key reason why no penalty was given.

Liverpool fans and pundits alike were quick to scrutinize the decision, with many questioning the consistency of handball rulings in recent seasons. Some argued that similar incidents had led to penalties being awarded in other matches, making the call against Liverpool even more contentious.

At halftime, Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher weighed in on the debate. Surprisingly, Carragher agreed with the officials, stating that Trippier’s handball did not meet the criteria for a clear and obvious error. He emphasized that while the ball made contact with the defender’s arm, the lack of movement towards the ball meant the decision was justified.

The game took another dramatic turn just minutes after the controversial incident. Newcastle capitalized on a defensive lapse, with Dan Burn rising above Alexis Mac Allister to head the Magpies into the lead. The Liverpool midfielder, despite his best efforts, was no match for the towering 6-foot-7 defender, who powered his effort past Caoimhin Kelleher.

Liverpool’s frustrations grew in the second half as Newcastle doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute. Alexander Isak, who has been in prolific form, latched onto a loose ball and unleashed a powerful volley into the back of the net. The Swedish forward, widely regarded as one of the most lethal strikers in European football, made no mistake as he put his side firmly in control of the final.

For Liverpool, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Arne Slot’s men had entered the match as favorites, boasting an impressive run of form in domestic and European competitions. However, Newcastle’s resilience and clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive in securing their first piece of silverware in years.

In the aftermath of the match, Liverpool fans took to social media to express their outrage over the handball decision. Many highlighted past instances where similar situations resulted in penalties, accusing the officiating team of inconsistency. Others pointed to the impact the decision had on the game, suggesting that a Liverpool goal at that stage could have changed the entire outcome of the final.

EFL communications later issued a statement reaffirming that the decision aligned with current handball regulations. They stressed that VAR had reviewed multiple angles of the incident and found no grounds to overturn the on-field decision. While this explanation provided clarity, it did little to quell the frustration among Liverpool supporters.

Looking ahead, the controversy surrounding the decision is likely to fuel ongoing discussions about the need for greater transparency in officiating. Calls for a more consistent application of handball rules have been growing, with fans and analysts demanding clearer guidelines to prevent such contentious moments in the future.

For Newcastle, the victory marked a historic achievement. Under the management of Eddie Howe, the Magpies have transformed into a formidable force, competing at the highest level and challenging the Premier League’s elite. The Carabao Cup triumph serves as a testament to their progress and could be a stepping stone for further success.

Liverpool, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly. With the Premier League title race and European ambitions still in play, Arne Slot will be keen to ensure that his team does not dwell on this disappointment. Instead, he will likely use this setback as motivation to push for silverware on other fronts.

Despite the heartbreak, Liverpool fans will take solace in the fact that their team continues to compete at the highest level. The controversial decision may have cost them in this final, but with a squad brimming with talent and determination, they remain a force to be reckoned with in both domestic and European competitions.

As the dust settles on the Carabao Cup final, one thing is clear: the debate over handball decisions is far from over. With VAR under increased scrutiny, the footballing world will be watching closely to see how such incidents are handled in the future. For now, Liverpool must move on and focus on the battles that lie ahead, knowing that every decision, every goal, and every moment counts in their pursuit of glory.