Inter Milan v Liverpool: Konate denied opener by controversial VAR decision
Liverpool were denied what would have been a welcome and deserved boost due to a contentious VAR decision in their tie at San Siro.
Liverpool controversially had a goal disallowed in their Champions League tie with Inter Milan as Ibrahima Konate’s header was ruled out following a lengthy VAR review.
After Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike had all brought saves out of Yann Sommer, it appeared as if the under-fire Konate had put Liverpool in front in the 32nd minute with a header from point-blank range.
But referee Felix Zwayer was sent to the pitchside monitor to check a handball against Hugo Ekitike.
The ball in from a corner was propelled towards Konate by the arm of Ekitike as he attempted to head it.
There appeared to be no intent on the part of Ekitike, with replays also indicating the ball had been headed onto his arm by team-mate Virgil van Dijk.
But after spending several minutes at the screen, Zwayer disallowed the goal, prompting an incredulous response from Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his players.
The goal would have been deserved and welcome relief for Liverpool, who dictated much of the first half in their first game since Mohamed Salah’s post-match comments following Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United. Liverpool’s record Premier League goalscorer claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” after being left on the bench for three successive matches and suggested he no longer had a relationship with Slot.
It also would have served as a huge boost for Konate, who needlessly gave away a penalty against Leeds with a very ill-advised challenge and has been the target of consistent criticism for his performances as Liverpool’s Premier League title defence has faltered dramatically.
Instead, Liverpool spent the closing stages of the first half on the back foot, with Nicolo Barella curling a free-kick wide for Inter before Lautaro Martinez drew a fine save from Alisson.