VAR Drama: Pundits McManaman and Ferdinand Debate Liverpool’s Controversial Penalty Call
Premier League Museum Admin 
VAR Penalty
Steve McManaman, a former Liverpool star, expressed his frustration after Liverpool’s win, particularly regarding the VAR decision that led to their decisive penalty. McManaman felt the penalty was awarded under dubious circumstances and shared his thoughts on the incident, which he deemed a “fairly scruffy decision.”
Steve McManaman said, “I know he sort of accidentally stands on his heel, but nobody appeals for it, the game carries on. As they do in Europe, VAR suddenly start getting involved and you know, he [Van De Beek] stands on his heel, he [Diaz] slips a bit. It was a fairly scruffy decision to give a penalty. I wouldn’t have been particularly happy. It’s great for Liverpool but, if I was on the opposite end, I’d be distraught about it.”
Rio Ferdinand, an ex-Manchester United defender, joined the conversation with McManaman. He commented on the perceived harshness of the criticism of Donny van de Beek’s challenge on Luis Diaz. Ferdinand believed there was no real malicious intent in the challenge, which he considered an unfortunate incident.
Rio Ferdinand said, “Maybe any criticism is a bit overzealous in terms of trying to get to the ball. He didn’t even get to the ball in the end, didn’t touch the ball. But, I’m like Macca, I don’t think there was any real intention – or intent to step on his ankle and take his boot off. You expect your midfielders to go to close down, but if you accidentally step on an inch of his heel on the back, it’s very, very unfortunate.”
About The Author
