UEFA Explains Controversial Decision As Liverpool Denied Penalty Against Real Madrid

UEFA has explained why Liverpool was denied a penalty against Real Madrid following the controversy surrounding the first half of the Champions League clash at Anfield.

The Reds were originally awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area after Dominik Szoboszlai’s strike struck the hand of Aurelien Tchouameni as the midfielder slid to try and block the effort.

Replays showed that Tchouameni’s arm was actually inside the box when the ball struck him, and when referee Istvan Kovacs was sent to the screen by VAR, it was assumed that Liverpool would be awarded a spot-kick, despite the protests from Real’s players.

After reviewing the footage though, Kovacs decided to reverse his decision, with Liverpool denied a penalty or a free-kick.

UEFA has subsequently given an explanation as to why Kovacs made his decision, saying: “The ball touched the left arm of Real Madrid’s player No14, which was close to the body in a natural position.”

The decision caused major confusion inside Anfield, with supporters expecting the penalty to be awarded once Kovacs had been sent to the screen. Even former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg was caught by surprise as he admitted to disagreeing with the eventual call.