Liverpool's Premier League opener against Bournemouth was marred by a controversial VAR decision that left pundit Jamie Carragher fuming. In the 14th minute, Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi appeared to deliberately handle the ball, preventing a clear goalscoring opportunity for Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike. Referee Anthony Taylor initially waved play on, and the VAR upheld the decision, sparking outrage.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher disagreed with the VAR's assessment. 'We can hear what the VAR are saying. They’re saying it’s come off his leg and hit his hand like you can’t do anything about it,' he said. 'But it’s not. He realises he’s got a massive problem and he puts his arm towards the ball. How the VAR can say that. I really don’t like seeing people sent off, that’s a last resort. But what I’ve just heard from the VAR did not happen.'
The Premier League Match Centre later explained that the decision was checked and confirmed by VAR, stating that it was 'not a clear handball offence nor denial of a goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO), due to the distance from goal.' Liverpool manager Arne Slot was visibly frustrated on the touchline, but his side had to continue without a decision in their favour.
Fans on social media echoed Carragher's sentiments, with one calling it a 'blatant handball' and another arguing it was 'surely got to be a red card.' The incident highlights the ongoing debate over VAR's use of the 'Referee's Call' policy, which the Premier League reinforced ahead of the season, aiming to reduce delays by allowing on-field decisions to stand unless clearly erroneous.
