Premier League release statement over Liverpool penalty after Man United handball

Liverpool were awarded a penalty in the second half against the Red Devils after a handball by Matthijs de Ligt

Referee Michael Oliver refers to the on-field VAR screen to review and subsequently award a penalty after Matthijs de Ligt (not pictured) commits handball during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The Premier League have explained their decision to award a penalty for Liverpool against Manchester United on Sunday. Matthijs de Ligt was deemed to have handled the ball after Alexis Mac Allister aimed his header towards goal.

Initially on-field referee Michael Oliver did not award the spot kick, but he was sent to the screen on the recommendation of the VAR.

Mohamed Salah eventually scored to put the Reds 2-1 up. They had earlier fallen behind after Lisandro Martinez had given United a shock lead, although Cody Gakpo was quickly on hand to equalise.

The Premier League Match Centre released a statement on X after the decision was overturned, explaining the rationale of the VAR.

“VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible handball by de Ligt, deeming that his arm was raised in an unnatural position. Upon review, the referee overturned his original call of no penalty,” it read.

A win for Liverpool would take them eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, having played a game less than their nearest rivals Arsenal.

By contrast, United’s poorest season in a generation continues to get worse. They are down in 14th place in the Premier League.