After James Ward-Prowse seemed to handle the ball within his own area, the Premier League issued a statement explaining why Liverpool was not given a penalty. In a Premier League match at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, the Reds took on West Ham United in an attempt to get one step closer to winning the league.
Additionally, things got off to a strong start as Luis Diaz gave Liverpool the lead after Mohamed Salah used the outside of his foot to make a stunning pass across the West Ham area. However, when the ball hit Ward-Prowse’s hand inside his own penalty area in the second half, they had a chance to double their lead.
The referee in charge of the game, Andrew Madley, decided not to give a penalty despite the fact that it was obvious that the ball struck his hand in an outstretched posture while the Hammers were defending a corner. The decision was upheld following a VAR check. The Premier League has now offered an explanation for why.
It was decided that the handball was “accidental.” Through VAR
On social media, the Premier League released a statement.
Shortly after the decision was made, the game’s commentators defended Liverpool’s lack of a penalty and stated that VAR deemed the handball to be an accident. It was determined that Ward-Prowse would not be handling the ball, even if his arm was in an awkward position.
Shortly after, the Premier League itself addressed the situation and gave additional justification for the Reds’ lack of a spot kick in a social media statement. Through their Twitter account, Premier League Match Centre X, they stated:
“The referee’s call of no penalty for a potential handball was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Ward-Prowse’s action deemed to be accidental and not a handball offence.”
