Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty against West Ham and although it didn’t affect the result, it’s another example of poor use of VAR.
Hammers midfielder James Ward-Prowse handled the ball following a corner but former Premier League midfielder Keith Hackett says that, according to the letter of the law, it should not have been a penalty.
Matchday referee Andy Madley cannot be blamed but VAR John Brooks and Assistant VAR Steve Meredith should have referred Madley to the review the incident from the screen.
Hackett explains why Ward-Prowse was blameless
Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett explained that because Ward-Prowse was looking away from the ball when he handled it, it was not a penalty.
He said: “It’s an interesting one because he’s got his hand out, it’s well extended. I think the reason they’ve not given it is because he’s looking away from it and not looking at the ball.
“I think what’s helped the player is, yes, he’s got his hands out, but he’s not looking at the ball. I think that’s why they’ve said accidental.”
“I think if his head was facing in the direction where the ball was then they’re going to award a penalty kick 100 times out of a 100. So I think the head position is showing the player isn’t looking to deliberately handle the ball, and the ball has struck his hand, even though it’s extended out from the body.
“So I think I support that decision. If I was a supporter, I’d be a bit upset! That’s the nuance of the law I think.”
Perhaps the nuance of the law needs to change…
If it was an incident from open play, I wouldn’t be so bothered but given it was a cross from a corner and not a pass from open play, Ward-Prowse should be looking at the ball and not have his arms in an unnatural position.
Liverpool ultimately won the game thanks to a dramatic end to the game for Virgil van Dijk.
The skipper, who is closing in on a contract extension according to reports, karate kicked Robertson, forced him into scoring an own-goal and scored the winner all in one chaotic second half.
Liverpool are now within touching distance of their 20th league title and a first for Arne Slot in his debut season. If the Reds win their next two games, they will be crowned champions with four games to spare.
