Liverpool's win marred by controversy as referee denies Tchouameni handball penalty.

Wednesday, 5 November 2025 | 15:00

Author: Arif S

Gelandang Liverpool Alexis Mac Allister merayakan gol ke gawang Real Madrid pada laga Liga Champions di Stadion Anfield, Liverpool.

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister celebrates a goal against Real Madrid during the Champions League match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool.
Source: Antaranews/uefa.com

Summary

1. Liverpool secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the decisive goal in the 61st minute, though the match was overshadowed by penalty controversy.

2. A major controversy erupted late in the first half when Dominik Szoboszlai's shot struck Aurelien Tchouameni's arm inside the penalty area; referee Istvan Kovacs and VAR denied Liverpool a penalty, ruling Tchouameni's arm was in a natural position.

3. UEFA officially backed the referee's no-penalty decision, while former referee Mark Clattenburg strongly criticized the call, stating it should have been awarded as a penalty.

Liverpool's narrow 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League fourth matchday at Anfield Stadium on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 (early morning WIB) was marred by on-field controversy. Alexis Mac Allister's 61st-minute strike secured three points for The Reds.

However, the spotlight fell on referee Istvan Kovacs' decision to deny a penalty to the hosts late in the first half.

This win marked Liverpool's second in this season's Champions League, while for Madrid it was their first defeat in four matches.

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Tensions at Anfield soared after a crucial moment left Liverpool players and fans bewildered.

Tchouameni Handball Controversy at End of First Half

Drama unfolded in the 45th minute when Dominik Szoboszlai's long-range shot struck Aurelien Tchouameni's right hand in Madrid's penalty area.

But referee Istvan Kovacs awarded only a free kick to the hosts.

VAR summoned Kovacs to review the footage on the pitchside monitor, with all eyes at Anfield awaiting the outcome.

The final decision sparked debate: Kovacs ruled no penalty or free kick, judging the ball's contact with Tchouameni's hand as non-offensive handball.

Official UEFA Explanation: No Penalty

UEFA later issued an official statement, quoted by Express, regarding the controversial incident.

European football's governing body deemed VAR's decision correct, stating: "VAR decision: no penalty. Ball touched left arm of Real Madrid player 14, whose arm was close to body in natural position."

This failed to appease Liverpool supporters who felt aggrieved, particularly as Tchouameni's arm appeared to block the ball's path toward goal.

Mark Clattenburg: Referee Should Have Awarded Penalty

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg criticized Kovacs' ruling, insisting Liverpool deserved a penalty: "From the assistant referee's angle, the arm appeared inside the box when struck. VAR should have recommended an on-field review – I believe the referee might have changed his mind."

Despite Mac Allister's header sealing Liverpool's 1-0 win, the penalty controversy dominated post-match discussions.