Rio Ferdinand has expressed his disbelief at a crucial decision made during Liverpool’s 1-0 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League. The former Manchester United defender was left baffled by the VAR’s failure to award Leipzig a penalty after a clear handball by Liverpool’s Joe Gomez.
Ferdinand, working as a pundit for BT Sport, vehemently disagreed with the VAR’s decision, stating, “I cannot believe that’s not been given as a penalty! It’s a clear handball, and the VAR is there to correct obvious errors. This is an obvious error.”
The incident occurred in the 65th minute when Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku’s shot struck Gomez’s arm inside the penalty area. The referee initially waved away Leipzig’s appeals, and the VAR upheld the decision, sparking widespread controversy.
Ferdinand’s comments were echoed by fellow pundits and fans, who took to social media to express their outrage. Many felt that the VAR’s inconsistency had once again marred a high-profile match.
Leipzig manager, Marco Rose, was visibly frustrated in his post-match press conference, saying, “The handball is clear. It’s a penalty. We’ve seen it multiple times, and it’s inexplicable why it wasn’t given.”
Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, acknowledged the controversy but refused to be drawn into the debate. “I haven’t seen it back, but I trust the VAR’s decision. We deserved the win, and I’m proud of the team’s performance.”
The VAR system has faced intense scrutiny this season, with many calling for reforms to ensure consistency and accuracy. This incident has reignited the debate, with fans and pundits alike demanding improved technology and clearer guidelines.
Former Premier League referee, Mark Clattenburg, weighed in on the controversy, saying, “The VAR’s decision was incorrect. The handball was clear, and Leipzig should have been awarded a penalty. The technology is there to help, but human error is still prevalent.”
As the Champions League progresses, the pressure on referees and VAR officials will intensify. The need for accurate and consistent decision-making has never been greater.
Liverpool’s win over Leipzig marked a significant milestone in their Champions League campaign, but the controversy surrounding the VAR decision has overshadowed the victory.
The Reds’ next challenge comes in the form of a Premier League clash against Arsenal, where they will look to maintain their momentum.
