Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool: Why did VAR not give handball against Gabriel?

VAR decided to not overrule Michael Oliver when Arsenal‘s Gabriel Magalhaes appeared to handle the ball in the penalty box against Liverpool.

In the first half at the Emirates when the Gunners were winning 1-0 thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s early goal, the Brazilian centre-back blocked Diogo Jota’s cross with his hand.

At first glance, it looked a stonewall penalty. While there wasn’t much space between Gabriel and Jota, the Arsenal defender’s limb was in an unnatural position.

But much to the surprise of most viewers, VAR didn’t ask Oliver to go over and check the pitchside monitor to see if he had made a mistake.

It looked for all the world that Liverpool were robbed of a penalty by the ever-controversial technology, however, it seems those at Stockley Park were indeed correct.

Slow-motion footage of Gabriel’s ‘handball’ posted by Twitter user Eduardo Hagn shows that the ball actually hit the former Lille man’s chest before his hand.

Check out the eye-opening video clip…

The ball hit Gabriel’s chest before his hand. pic.twitter.com/xPqjLiFCT0

Case closed? It certainly looks that way.

A number of fans on social media think so…

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher stated on Sky Sports that he felt the decision from Oliver would be overturned and Liverpool would therefore be awarded a penalty.

It’s unclear whether he realised the ball struck Gabriel in the chest first.

“All I can think is that the referee and VAR thought it was too close in proximity, from what we’ve seen this season – if the arm is out like that and extended at shoulder height, by-and-large it’s been penalised.

“When I saw it and I saw the VAR, I expected it to be overturned but they felt it was too close and that’s why it’s not been given.”

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