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Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has hit out at the officials in the clash against Liverpool, as he can’t understand why Fabinho’s opening goal stood.
What did he say?
The battle at Anfield between the two main title contenders was billed as the biggest game of the season so far. However, the entire game was marred by controversial decisions throughout. The most notable incident was the handball on Trent Alexander-Arnold, who touched the ball in his own area.
Referee Michael Oliver waved play on and Fabinho would break the deadlock just seconds later.
Kompany told Sky Sports: “The incident happens and I’m confused.
“That’s the problem. I’m confused. I’m thinking ‘Okay, I’m not the expert in everything’. Then I look to my right at Jose Mourinho, Roy Keane and Graham Souness. We’re all confused.
“Surely that says something about the process? The fact that this could still be for debate when there’s a VAR system that is meant to make football simpler and fairer.
“[The] goal happens 20 seconds later. My feeling remains that although Liverpool were great, and both teams tried to play the way they are known to play, I felt this first decision was so important to get right.”
The debate continues
Prior to the ball hitting the hand of Alexander-Arnold, the ball also struck Bernardo Silva in the same area. However, the footage does show that the Liverpool man clearly impeded the City attack and help Liverpool’s counter in the process.
New rules were introduced surrounding handballs situations this season, which ultimately states that any touch of the hand or arm in the build-up to a goal will be disallowed, regardless of intent or not.
Earlier this year, the Premier League stated: “Any goal scored or created with the use of the hand or arm will be disallowed this season even if it is accidental.”
As the Liverpool right-back had played a part in Fabinho’s goal, as per the laws from the Premier League, the goal should not have stood. It took seconds for the Brazilian to score after the ball hit Alexander-Arnold’s arm, making it a clear involvement in the goal.