“That is not a penalty. Never in a million years” – Liverpool steeped with controversial VAR call

Controversial decision

Fans were left baffled and outraged as Liverpool were aware a controversial penalty in the closing stages of their game against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. Jurgen Klopp's side were leading 2-1 at the time after first-half goals from Virgil Van Dijk and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put the Reds in front, before Odsonne Édouard pulled one back. With Palace putting on the pressure at Selhurst Park, Liverpool looked to extend their lead and end the hosts' chance of finding an equaliser. As Diogo Jota ran through on goal to reach a lofted ball over the top, Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita came off his line and collided with the Portugal international. Following a lengthy look at the challenge, VAR gave the decision to award the penalty - much to the dismay of Patrick Vieira and just about everybody else. https://twitter.com/FootballJOE/status/1485281863665078281 Fabinho slotted home the resulting spot-kick, but fans could be heard shouting jeers at referee Kevin Friend, whilst many took to Twitter to voice their opinions. Gary Lineker said: "That Is Not A Penalty. Never in a million years." https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1485277267425177600 His fellow Match of the Day partner Alan Shearer also agreed, criticising the use of VAR as he said: "Joke decision VAR. Never a pen #CRYLIV" https://twitter.com/alanshearer/status/1485277701640441857?s=20 Jamie Carragher, who was on commentary duty for the game, tweeted afterwards: "Great game, both teams brilliant and awful through the 90 mins. Big three points for Liverpool," adding "never a pen!" https://twitter.com/carra23/status/1485285217942257666?s=21 Meanwhile many Liverpool fans admitted they were surprised to see the penalty given. One wrote: "Shocked that's been given, he lost control and stepped into the keeper. Not sure what any of the officials have seen there." https://twitter.com/dacrookster/status/1485277955349692435?s=21 Footage from Selhurst Park at full-time also showed the anger Palace fans had towards the officials as they walked down the tunnel in South London. https://twitter.com/neiljonesgoal/status/1485280384560603139   Related links:

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