The Premier League has confirmed why Matthijs de Ligt was penalized for handball during Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
The Dutchman was headed on the arm by Alexis McAllister, although referee Michael Oliver chose not to award a penalty despite loud pleas by LiverpoolPlayers and a loud crowd at home.
Oliver was advised to consult the pitch monitor to review his decision, and after watching the replay he elected to award a penalty – a spot-kick that Mohamed Salah converted past Andre Onana despite the Cameroonian getting a hand on his effort.
Confirmation of the reason for the VAR recommendation, published on Premier LeagueRead X's summary of: “#LIVMUN – 67' VAR OVERTURN. VAR recommended an on-pitch review for a possible handball by De Ligt, considering that his arm was raised in an unnatural position. Upon review, the referee overturned his original call for no penalty kick.”
“I think his hand is up. I think he might be in trouble. That's my initial reaction.” Sky Sports Commentator Gary Neville said during the match. “I've seen it in real time, when your hand is there, we'll see.
“Once you have your arm up like that in the box, you're going to cause a big problem. Why is his hand there? I don't know why his hand is there at all.”
The blemish in De Ligt's notebook will not overshadow what was the case Encouraging performance From United, led by Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils were more organized and in possession, with midfielders Manuel Ugarte and Kobe Maino competing brilliantly against Liverpool's midfield trio of Alexis McAllister, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch.
Captain Bruno Fernandes also produced one of his best performances of the season, suggesting that United have brighter days ahead after the hot start to the Amorim era. United jumped West Ham to 13th place with an unexpected point, still a long way from European qualification in terms of points and positions.
