---
title: "Pundits slam ‘appalling’ VAR decision to award Liverpool penalty"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/pundits-slam-appalling-var-decision-to-award-liverpool-penalty/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2022-01-24T06:30:00Z"
modified: "2022-01-24T06:30:00Z"
---

# Pundits slam ‘appalling’ VAR decision to award Liverpool penalty

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2022/01/23/liverpool-fans-celebrate-exceptional-display-from-alisson-in-epl-victory/) were once again firmly in the firing line as a penalty decision caused much controversy amongst fans and pundits alike.

The Reds were awarded a spot-kick late on when [Diogo Jota](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2022/01/21/virals-liverpool-fans-hail-world-class-diogo-jota-performance/) collided with Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita in the area.

Despite the [ball still being within reach](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqOWe7ETAjc) and the Portuguese ace being stopped in his tracks, there was conjecture as to whether the penalty would be awarded.

Following a lengthy VAR consultation and referee Kevin Friend’s own check at the monitor, Fabinho was [given the chance from 12 yards](https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2022/jan/23/crystal-palace-v-liverpool-premier-league-live) and the Brazilian duly obliged.

That wasn’t the ned of matters however as Jermaine Jenas and Micah Richards on [MOTD2](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/60104943) branded the decision ‘ridiculous’ as many on Twitter took a firm stance.

> That is a genuinely appalling decision.
>
> — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) [January 23, 2022](https://twitter.com/GaryLineker/status/1485277836265111554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> CPFC should request a PL investigation into that Liverpool game. Worst VAR/referee decision I’ve ever seen. \
> Either VAR doesn’t work and should be scrapped or there was corruption at play to try and keep the title race close.[#CPFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — Jim Piddock (@realjimpiddock) [January 23, 2022](https://twitter.com/realjimpiddock/status/1485281865971863552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Repeat question. When are refs going to be brave enough to go to a monitor and tell VAR : “ You know what ? I’m sticking with my decision” ? The Palace v Liverpool one embarrassing.
>
> — Ian Darke (@IanDarke) [January 23, 2022](https://twitter.com/IanDarke/status/1485288286302216194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s stars were [focused on the result](https://twitter.com/VirgilvDijk/status/1485301537752637446) and indeed the challenge ahead.

> Boom!!! 3 points! It’s a tough place to go and it showed. Time to recharge and get back to it after the break 😄 [pic.twitter.com/UE3KQIyogO](https://t.co/UE3KQIyogO)
>
> — Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) [January 23, 2022](https://twitter.com/VirgilvDijk/status/1485301537752637446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Never an easy place to go but a BIG 3 points!! Away end 🔝❤️ [#YNWA](https://twitter.com/hashtag/YNWA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/XFmOQlJ5vC](https://t.co/XFmOQlJ5vC)
>
> — Andy Robertson (@andrewrobertso5) [January 23, 2022](https://twitter.com/andrewrobertso5/status/1485300380984651790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Great result going into the break 💪🏻 Time to recharge the batteries and come back fresh! 🔋 [pic.twitter.com/2dZxASpNcF](https://t.co/2dZxASpNcF)
>
> — Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) [January 23, 2022](https://twitter.com/JHenderson/status/1485320988892053507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Jurgen Klopp’s side now sit [nine points behind](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) Premier League pacesetters Manchester City with a game in hand.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Well, most importantly – what an important win.

Whilst it’s far from a nailed-on penalty, it’s also far from the most debatable decision we’ve seen this season – perhaps [even this weekend](https://www.premierleague.com/results).

This would appear to be another example of how no club can quite capture the imagination of angry onlookers like Liverpool can.

Given all that has gone before – including to the [detriment of the Reds](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/alan-shearer-diogo-jota-liverpool-22514280) – calls for an ‘investigation’ are rather implausible.