The Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real exploded into life when the hosts were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position in the 30th minute, with match referee Istvan Kovacs reviewing VAR to determine whether to upgrade his decision to a penalty. ..Continue Reading
Kovacs reviewed the incident after Dominik Szoboszlai smashed the ball onto Aurelien Tchouameni’s hand.
But he controversially overturned his original decision as he decided against awarding a free-kick or penalty to the dismay of Mark Clattenburg on Amazon Prime.
Former Premier League referee Clattenburg found it interesting that Kovacs was allowed to have a second opinion, comparing it to how VAR is operated in England’s top flight – with Alan Shearer also disagreeing with the decision.
Needless to say, Kovacs’ decision to overturn Liverpool’s free-kick sent social media wild as people couldn’t believe what they witnessed.
One X user wrote: “Bruv he gave a free kick and went to do a penalty check then overturned the FREE KICK????????? When has VAR ever just overturned a free kick wtf???”
A second said: “Since when could you change free kicks with VAR?”
A third questioned: “VAR can overturn free-kicks????”
A fourth added: “Referee gives a free kick for a hand ball just outside the box. VAR review shows it’s inside the box. Referee gives a drop ball. Never seen anything like it in my life.”
Another commented: “Is that the first time a free kick has ever been overturned on VAR?”
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