The Explanation Behind Liverpool Not Being Awarded a Penalty for Martin Odegaard’s Handball against Arsenal

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Following what Klopp perceived as subdued atmospheres in recent matches against Manchester United and West Ham, Liverpool’s key figure called for a “proper Anfield experience.” Urging fans to surrender their tickets if not in the right mindset, Klopp sought a more energetic crowd.

Despite the majority of the 57,000 spectators at the stadium expressing vocal disapproval when referee Chris Kavanagh dismissed strong first-half penalty appeals for Martin Odegaard’s handball in Arsenal’s box, the Arsenal skipper avoided any punishment.

Discover the reasons behind this decision, much to the vocal disdain of Anfield attendees.

Gabriel silenced the red side of Stanley Park with a well-executed header, securing Arsenal’s early lead with their 11th set-piece goal of the season.

During the first half, a pivotal moment unfolded as Mohamed Salah outplayed Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, in an aerial duel initiated by Odegaard’s own delivery. In a bid to adjust his position, Odegaard inadvertently touched the ball with his left hand, causing a stir of controversy.

Examining Law 12 of the FA handbook, it emphasizes that not every touch of a player’s hand/arm with the ball constitutes an offense. The critical factor becomes whether the player has made their body unnaturally bigger, irrespective of intent.

While Odegaard’s studs were planted in the turf, it was his lowered arm that halted the ball and Salah’s advancement into Arsenal’s box.

The guidelines also state that no offense is committed if the position of the hand/arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the player’s body movement for that specific situation.

This provision aims to prevent penalties for players using their arm to cushion a fall. In Odegaard’s case, while he regains balance, his hand appears to move to the turf to counteract his awkward footing, rather than deliberately punching the ball away. Referee Chris Kavanagh likely made this judgment in real-time.

VAR David Coote either concurred with Kavanagh’s decision or did not perceive it as a “clear and obvious error.” Importantly, the on-pitch official was not directed to review the incident using the pitchside monitor.

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