Liverpool Pundits Debate Controversial Penalty Decision Against Real Madrid During Champions League Clash at Anfield

Liverpool fans and football pundits alike were left divided after a dramatic handball incident in their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

The Reds believed they had a first-half penalty when Aurelien Tchouameni appeared to handle the ball following a Dominic Szoboszlai shot—but the VAR review produced a controversial outcome that kept everyone talking.

VAR Overrules Initial Call

Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs initially awarded a free kick and then consulted the VAR monitor, with Anfield holding its breath for a potential penalty.

After reviewing the play, Kovacs ultimately decided there was no handball offence and awarded a drop ball to Madrid instead.

The unexpected reversal left fans and pundits debating the fairness of the decision.

Rooney Praises the Technology

Despite the controversy, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney praised VAR for clarifying the situation. Speaking on Amazon Prime Video, he said:
“This is why we wanted VAR. It’s brilliant.

We can all see why the ref gave a pen, [but] it is clearly not a penalty, 100 per cent not.”

Fowler and Shearer Disagree

Not everyone agreed with Rooney’s view. Robbie Fowler admitted he could see it either way but leaned toward a penalty:
“I think it is a pen. Leading up to it, I’m not sure if it comes off his leg, which may have swayed the ref.”

Alan Shearer emphasized the significance of the decision in such a high-stakes match:
“It’s a huge call, it really is, in a game of this size.

It will probably be decided by something like that. It is a big call, one I don’t agree with.”

Walcott Supports the Decision

Theo Walcott sided with Rooney, explaining that the defender’s hand appeared to be in a natural position given the distance and trajectory of the ball:
“Initially maybe the ref thought it hit his back hand.

I feel it wasn’t a penalty; natural position, distance. I think they have come to the right decision.”

Former Referee Breaks Down the Process

A former Premier League referee also offered insight into the decision-making process for viewers:
“It’s unusual on a factual decision.

The VAR recommended a review, saying the decision to give handball was wrong.

He doesn’t believe the defender made his body bigger. For me, it’s handball—handball is so controversial and so subjective.”

The incident highlights how handball decisions continue to spark heated debate, even with VAR in place, showing how subjective football rulings can shape the outcome of high-profile games.