The VAR Debate: Unraveling the Handball Conundrum
In a night of Champions League drama, Liverpool and Arsenal found themselves at the center of VAR-induced controversies. Let's dive into the intricacies of these decisions and uncover the reasons behind them.
Liverpool's Penalty Woes
Imagine the scene: Liverpool fans, brimming with anticipation, thought they had a penalty against Real Madrid. Dominik Szoboszlai's shot was blocked, and the referee, Istvan Kovacs, initially pointed to the spot. But here's where it gets controversial: the VAR, Bastian Dankert, intervened.
The VAR's role is crucial. While the referee makes subjective calls, the VAR focuses on factual decisions, like the exact location of the handball. In this case, the handball occurred inside the box, making it a penalty. But why did the referee overturn his decision?
Unlucky Liverpool
The answer lies in the nature of the handball. Kovacs likely believed Tchouameni's arm was extended, but the ball's impact was close to the player's body, creating no barrier. This subtle difference meant the penalty was overturned, and play restarted with a dropped ball for Courtois.
Arsenal's Lucky Break?
Moving on to Arsenal, they were awarded a penalty in their game against Slavia Prague. Lukas Provod was deemed to have handled the ball after a corner. But here's the twist: the ball deflected off Provod's head and onto his arm. So, why the VAR intervention?
In Premier League games, this might not have been a VAR penalty. The distinction lies between a deliberate header and a deflection. If a defender makes solid contact with a header and it deflects onto their arm, it shouldn't be a penalty. But minimal contact, especially if the arm is above the shoulder, can lead to a spot-kick. This is the expectation in Uefa competitions.
Tottenham's Unfortunate Red Card
Brennan Johnson's sending off against FC Copenhagen was another VAR-induced decision. He attempted to win the ball from Marcos Lopez but made no contact. His boot, however, caught the back of Lopez's leg after coming off the ground.
The referee, Erik Lambrechts, initially showed a yellow card. But was this a clear and obvious error? Uefa has a strict stance on any contact with a straight leg and studs up. The accidental nature of the challenge is often secondary to the nature of the contact itself.
What's Your Take?
These VAR decisions have sparked debates among fans and experts alike. Do you agree with the outcomes? Should the VAR's role be further clarified to avoid such controversies? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Remember, these decisions can make or break a team's fortunes in the Champions League.
Catch all the highlights and join the discussion on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and app. The Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One will also provide further analysis and insights.
