The controversy surrounding Liverpool’s appeal for a penalty in the recent encounter against Arsenal has been addressed by PGMOL.
The explanation sheds light on why a penalty was not awarded when Martin Odegaard appeared to handle the ball inside the box.
In a pivotal match that could have propelled Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table at Christmas, they were held to a 1-1 draw by league leaders Arsenal at Anfield.
In the midst of the intense battle, Liverpool fervently argued for a penalty in the middle of the first half, citing Odegaard’s apparent handball.
The Norwegian player slipped inside the Liverpool box, and the home side strongly believed that his arm made contact with the ball as he attempted to turn, justifying a penalty.
Referee Chris Kavanagh rejected the appeals, a decision that VAR official David Coote upheld. PGMOL later explained to Sky Sports that, despite contact with Odegaard’s arm, the decision not to award a penalty was justified. This was because Odegaard’s arm was moving toward his body as he went down, suggesting it was not a deliberate handball offense but rather a result of him trying to maintain balance.
PGMOL has released a statement about this decision after the match. Further details can be found below:
