VAR Controversial: Why wasn’t there a penalty for Liverpool against Crystal Palace?

VAR and Controversy in English Football: Right or Questionable Decisions?

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) continues to be a topic of debate in every matchday of English football. How are decisions made and how correct are they? We analyze a recent case that generated controversy. In the Community Shield match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool, VAR was once again at the center of the discussion. The match, which ended 2-2, was decided in favor of Palace 3-2 on penalties.

The Mac Allister Case: Penalty or No Penalty?

The key play occurred in the 79th minute. A cross into the Liverpool area hit Alexis Mac Allister’s arm. The player tried to intercept the ball, but it hit his arm, preventing it from reaching Ismaïla Sarr. The main referee did not call the penalty, but the play was reviewed by VAR, which finally ratified the initial decision.

The ball hits Alexis Mac Allister’s arm inside the area.

The Interpretation of the Hand Rule: An Open Debate

The handball rule has generated controversy in recent seasons. In the English league, the application has been more permissive compared to other European leagues.

• In the last season, in the Premier League only nine hand penalties were sanctioned.
• In the Bundesliga, with fewer matches, 16 hand penalties were whistled.
• LaLiga, with the same number of matches as the Premier League, had 28 hand penalties.
• Ligue 1 was the league with the most hand penalties, with 37.

In England, VAR intervenes if the player is facing the ball, if the arm is extended, or if the action is deliberate. If the ball hits the arm accidentally, the play usually continues. The player’s body position is key. For example, if he is jumping, he is expected to have his arm raised. If the ball had hit Mac Allister’s left arm while he was looking at the ball, the penalty claim would have been stronger. Since the ball hit his arm from behind, it was considered accidental.

An example of this application occurred in the match between Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In the 44th minute, Morgan Gibbs-White crossed to the far post, but the ball hit Jørgen Strand Larsen’s arm. It was considered accidental.

Jørgen Strand Larsen did not commit a penalty according to VAR.In the 75th minute, from a free kick into the Forest area, the ball hit Chris Wood’s arm, but a penalty was not awarded.

The ball hits Chris Wood’s arm but a penalty was not considered.The key question is whether there was a deliberate action by Mac Allister. Did he raise his arm to intercept the ball or was it a natural movement? In England, VAR intervention is not always consistent, but the penalty could have been called if the referee had whistled it on the field.