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

Anfield was raging. The energy was intense. However, what should have been another great match between Liverpool and Manchester United became one of the Premier League season’s most talked-about issues. Once again, VAR was at the centre of the most heated controversy in English football, this time for rejecting Liverpool a penalty after what appeared to be a straightforward handball by Amad Diallo.

The flashpoint occurred midway through the first half, just as Liverpool began to find rhythm in their pushing. Dominik Szoboszlai sent a strong cross into the box, only for it to contact Amad’s outstretched arm. Every Liverpool player within sight of the incident raised their hands in protest, demanding a penalty. The supporters inside Anfield sent out deafening cries, expecting Anthony Taylor to gesture to the spot.

Despite the crowd’s disbelief, the referee waved play on. After a brief wait for a VAR check, the verdict stood: no penalty. The reaction was instantaneous and explosive. Liverpool manager Arne Slot could be seen shaking his head fiercely on the sidelines, as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk mobbed the referee in fury.

Replays clearly indicated that the ball made contact with Amad Diallo’s arm after bouncing off his thigh. To the naked eye, it appeared that the Manchester United winger had stopped a dangerous cross that could have easily resulted in a goal. The indignation rapidly spread on social media, with Liverpool fans accusing VAR of inconsistency and bias, reigniting the long-running argument about fairness in Premier League officiating.

Hours later, the Premier League issued an official statement seeking to quell the flames. According to the league, VAR followed correct process and found that Amad’s arm position was “natural” under the circumstances of the play. The statement read: “Following a review of the handball incident involving Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, it was determined that the player’s arm was not in an unnatural position and that there was no deliberate movement towards the ball.” Given the close proximity and rapidity of the deflection, the on-field verdict of no penalty was maintained.

The league also stated that the incident did not fulfil the criteria for a “clear and obvious error,” which meant that VAR could not overturn the referee’s original decision. However, this explanation did little to quell the uproar among Liverpool fans. Many fans regarded it as yet another example of VAR being applied inconsistently, depending on which club is involved.

Arne Slot, evidently enraged after the final whistle, did not mince his words. “It’s beyond belief,” he told reporters. “We’ve seen penalties issued for significantly less than that. His arm is out from his torso; how can this be natural? I’ve watched it several times, and it’s handball. Everyone in the stadium saw it except those who were supposed to.” His words quickly went viral, with fans and pundits alike emphasising his dissatisfaction.

Liverpool fans expressed their outrage online. Hashtags like #AmadHandball and #VARDisgrace trended on X (previously Twitter) in minutes. One incensed supporter tweeted, “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 turning into a joke.” Others requested responsibility from the PGMOL, the body in charge of match officials in English football, arguing that VAR decisions should be made public for transparency.

Not everyone agreed, though. Former referee Mark Clattenburg defended the VAR officials. “It’s a close-range deflection,” he stated on ESPN. “There is no intent, and his arm does not move towards the ball. It’s the right decision within the present rules of the game.” But Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher would have none of it. “The laws of the game are being used to justify poor decisions,” Carragher stated on Sky Sports’ post-match presentation. “If that’s not a handball, then the rule is meaningless. It prevents a cross, disrupts play – that’s a penalty.”

The missed call turned out to be a turning point. Manchester United quickly gained confidence, taking control of the game and eventually scoring twice through Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. Liverpool did score a late goal through Szoboszlai, but the damage had already been done. The 2-1 setback terminated Liverpool’s home unbeaten streak and left their title aspirations dangling by a thread.

According to The Times, the FA and PGMOL will investigate the event as part of their usual post-match investigation. While no disciplinary action is likely, the study may renew debate over making VAR audio exchanges public, which many believe would provide much-needed clarity to contentious judgements. Fan organisations have even written open letters to the Premier League urging reform.

For Liverpool, the sense of unfairness persists. This is not the first time VAR rulings have gone against them in crucial matches. Last season’s disallowed goal at Tottenham, as well as Amad Diallo’s handball, have added to a growing series of complaints that have led players, coaches, and supporters to question the system’s integrity.

Captain Virgil van Dijk summed up the team’s feelings following the game: “You work so hard, and then one decision changes everything. It’s not only about today; it’s about consistency. “All we ask for is fairness.”

As discussions continue, one thing is certain: VAR remains one of football’s most contentious technology. The Premier League’s explanation may define the rules, but it has not alleviated the fury. Liverpool fans believe justice was denied. For Manchester United, a stroke of luck helped them win a historic game at Anfield.

In the end, Sunday’s game will be remembered not only for United’s victory, but also for the debate, which once again left fans wondering whether the pursuit of perfection through technology had made football more fair — or more defective.