Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Premier League

Liverpool fume in yet more VAR controversy after Fabinho appears to win ball OUTSIDE box but Sheffield Utd penalty given

LIVERPOOL were left fuming by more VAR controversy after Fabinho conceded a penalty for appearing to win the ball OUTSIDE the box.

Sheffield United took a shock lead at Anfield after Sander Berge’s spot-kick, with further questions marks about the decisions made in Stockley Park.

VAR awarded Sheffield United a penalty for Fabinho’s challenge on Oliver McBurnie

Fabinho – who was playing centre-back for the Reds – was punished for clattering into Oliver McBurnie on the edge of his own area.

Referee Mike Dean initially blew for a free-kick, but VAR intervened to change to a penalty based on where the foul occurered.

However, the Premier League have confirmed that the system awarded the spot-kick without checking whether Fabinho committed a foul or not.

Instead, VAR only noted whether the incident happened inside the box, and not whether it was actually a foul.

The gaffe came just a week after Liverpool were incensed that Jordan Pickford didn’t see red for wrecking Virgil van Dijk’s season.

And understandably fans were left fuming by the latest technology error.

One tweeted: “I think what’s “clear & obvious” now is that Liverpool are being stitched up by the Premier League this season via VAR! Absolute disgrace.”

Another said: “Outside the box, wins the ball, and yet it’s a penalty. This is a week in, week out story these days.

“So much needs to be done about the standard of officiating in this country.”

A third added: “The Premier League is corrupt.”

Liverpool ultimately bounced back from the early set-back to claim a 2-1 win over the Blades following goals from Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota.