Steve McManaman and Rio Ferdinand were resolute in their belief that Liverpool did not deserve a penalty in their victory over Girona, with Mohamed Salah’s spot-kick proving to be the game-changer after VAR called for a review of an alleged foul on Luis Diaz.
A refreshed Liverpool squad faced off against a tenacious Girona side on Tuesday night in Spain, where they encountered a formidable challenge.
Ultimately, it was a second-half penalty, expertly converted by Salah, that allowed them to maintain their flawless Champions League record and secure automatic progression to the knockout phase.
The contentious penalty decision came from French referee Benoit Bastien after he was encouraged to consult the pitch-side monitor by his VAR colleague and fellow countryman Benoit Millot.
The incident involved Diaz being brought down by former Manchester United and Everton player Donny van de Beek, who stepped on the Colombian’s heel, dislodging his boot, and used his other leg to trip him.
“I thought it was no penalty – I really did. I know he sort of accidentally stands on his heel, but nobody appeals for it, the game carries on,” lamented ex-Liverpool ace McManaman post-match.
He expressed frustration with the European VAR system, adding: “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, the former Manchester United defender who was part of the discussion, then weighed in: “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. Clumsy is the best word, maybe, he’s given the referee opportunity to make a decision or for VAR to get involved.”
McManaman added: “That’s it – for VAR to get involved. 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.
“With all respect, it’s a contact game and we see a lot more contact at corners or free-kicks that go unnoticed, so I don’t think it was a penalty regardless of the result.”
