Ex-Premier League referee issues ‘big’ Liverpool claim as Trent Alexander-Arnold controversy analysed
Referee Anthony Taylor was “right” not to penalise Wolves defender Willy Boly for a handball at Liverpool on Sunday, according to Keith Hackett.
The ex-Fifa and Premier League official, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 31-year-old’s arm was “in a natural position” and applauded Taylor for getting “a big call” spot on.
As shown on Sky Sports (22 May), Liverpool appealed for a penalty when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shot struck Boly on the arm in the second half at Anfield.
Referee Anthony Taylor waved play on and VAR official Stuart Attwell agreed with the decision his colleague made on the field.
The incident ultimately proved indecisive with Jurgen Klopp’s side eventual 3-1 winners.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the penalty shout, Hackett said: “His arm is in a natural position.
“I think the referee judged it that way. Anthony Taylor is in a good position to view it.
“To be honest, I don’t like the handball rule.
“Players are having to do something that is unnatural to them to make sure their arm isn’t struck by the ball. They constantly have to think about where their hands and arms are. I have seen defenders putting their hands behind their backs when they’re defending.
“We have to understand that the hand and arms are part of balancing. They are also used to gain elevation when you jump.
“I was happy with that decision. Once again Taylor got a big call right.”
In other news, a finance guru has claimed the Premier League are starving Liverpool of cash as ‘huge numbers’ explained.