The reason Matthijs de Ligt was penalized for handball during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield has been confirmed by the Premier League.
The Dutchman was hit in the arm by Alexis Mac Allister’s header, but referee Michael Oliver decided against awarding a penalty despite loud appeals from Liverpool players and a raucous home crowd.
Oliver was advised to consult the pitchside monitor to check his decision and when he watched the replay, he opted to award a penalty – one that Mohamed Salah would slot past Andre Onana, despite the Cameroonian was involved in his shooting.
A post on the Premier League’s X-Feed confirmed the reason for the VAR recommendation, reading: “#LIVMUN – 67′ VAR OVERTURN. The VAR recommended an on-field check for a possible handball by De Ligt as it believed his arm was raised in an unnatural position. After review, the referee reversed his original decision not to award a penalty.”
“I think his hand is up. I think he might be in trouble is my first reaction.” Sky Sports said commentator Gary Neville during the game. “I saw it in real time when your hand was up there, we’ll see.”
“Once your arm is that high in the box, you’re asking for big trouble. Why is his hand there? I don’t know why his hand is even there.”
The blemish on De Ligt’s track record will not overshadow the encouraging performance of Ruben Amorim’s United. The Red Devils were far more organized and confident in possession, with midfielders Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo deftly competing against Liverpool’s midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch.
Captain Bruno Fernandes also put in one of his best performances of the season, suggesting United have better days ahead after a blistering start to Amorim’s reign. United relegated West Ham to 13th place with the unexpected point, still well behind European qualification in both points and places.