Liverpool nicked a late win in their Champions League encounter vs Inter Milan thanks to a late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty. The hosts – and many watching from the stands or at home – felt the decision to award the spot kick was extremely harsh.
Arne Slot’s men thought they had taken the lead in the first half when Ibrahima Konate nodded into the Inter net, only for VAR to come to the conclusion that Hugo Ekitike handled the ball in the build-up. The visitors would be justified in feeling that decision was harsh, but a referee call went in their favour later in the game.
Florian Wirtz looked to turn inside the penalty area, but suddenly fell to ground in what looked like overly dramatic fashion at first glance. Replays showed the German substitute did have his shirt pulled slightly by an opposition defender. Many, including Alan Shearer and Mark Clattenburg on Prime Sport commentary, felt Slot’s side were fortunate to be awarded the penalty.
VAR Expert Explains Champions League and Premier League Difference
Szoboszlai slammed the ball past Yann Sommer expertly to secure all three points for Liverpool at San Siro. However, the majority feel he shouldn’t have been given the opportunity in the first place.
Rules expert Dale Johnson has revealed to BBC Sport that Wirtz would not have been given a penalty in the Premier League, but European rules are different. He said:
“Liverpool might have been hard done by through the first VAR intervention for handball but they benefitted this time. Again, it was the different interpretation between UEFA and the Premier League.
In England, the tug on Wirtz’s shirt would have been seen as fleeting, or inconsequential. In the Champions League, it’s enough for a VAR penalty.
“In the Premier League, the way Wirtz went down would have been taken into consideration too. That is why Nick Woltemade didn’t get a penalty at Bournemouth.”
Fabio Capello Slams ‘Scandalous’ Penalty Call
One man who was left unimpressed by the decision was former AC Milan manager Fabio Capello. In the immediate aftermath, the ex-England coach went on a scathing rant and called out Wirtz for simulation. He told Football Italia:
“It’s a scandalous penalty.
“I don’t understand why the VAR had to intervene when the referee saw it all, the obvious simulation, throwing himself to the ground.”
