Premier League issue statement over Michael Oliver penalty U-turn in Liverpool vs Man Utd

Michael Oliver looking at the VAR screen during Liverpool vs Man Utd (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The Premier League has clarified the reason behind Liverpool's penalty decision after a VAR review in their clash with Manchester United. Initially missed by referee Michael Oliver, a handball by Matthijs de Ligt was later penalised following a second look, leading to Mo Salah putting Liverpool ahead.

The official Premier League Match Centre social media account stated: "VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible handball by de Ligt, deeming that his arm was raised in an unnatural position. Upon review, the referee overturned his original call of no penalty."

At the time of the controversial decision, the match was evenly poised. Lisandro Martinez had earlier given United the lead, which Cody Gakpo swiftly cancelled out, and Amad levelled the score shortly after Salah's penalty threatened to be the decider.

Gary Neville, ex-Manchester United captain, commented during Sky Sports' broadcast, "I don't know why his hand is there," adding, "He is not going to get away with it."

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Echoing this sentiment on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Chelsea player Pat Nevin remarked, "I would give that as a penalty every day of the week," noting, "Matthijs de Ligt's hand was so high, right above his head."

De Ligt's handball (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

De Ligt has once again been thrust into the spotlight following a contentious penalty decision, not for the first time this season. The Dutch defender was previously penalised for a challenge on West Ham's Danny Ings back in October at the London Stadium, a game that ended in a 2-1 loss and marked the final match in charge for then United manager Erik ten Hag.

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Earlier in the day there were three penalties awarded as Fulham were held 202 at home to Ipswich.

The initial penalty call was missed by the referee but was later identified after a VAR intervention. Harry Wilson of Fulham was brought down by Sam Morsy, leading to Jimenez's successful penalty kick.

The Premier League Match Centre account clarified the situation with a statement: "VAR recommended an on-field review for the challenge by Morsy on Wilson, deeming that contact was sufficient for a penalty and occurred inside the area," and added, "Upon review, the referee overturned his original call of no penalty."

Premier League issue statement over Michael Oliver penalty U-turn in Liverpool vs Man Utd

Premier League issue statement over Michael Oliver penalty U-turn in Liverpool vs Man Utd

Premier League issue statement over Michael Oliver penalty U-turn in Liverpool vs Man Utd

Premier League issue statement over Michael Oliver penalty U-turn in Liverpool vs Man Utd

Premier League issue statement over Michael Oliver penalty U-turn in Liverpool vs Man Utd