Keith Hackett lambasts ‘poorly written law’ as Liverpool controversy re-analysed
Ibrahima Konate thought he had put Liverpool ahead in the first half of Tuesday’s victory over Inter Milan.
Liverpool beat Inter 1-0 at the San Siro, with Dominik Szoboszlai‘s late penalty earning a crucial Champions League win for Arne Slot‘s side.
Konate had headed the Reds in front in the 32nd minute, but the goal was ruled out on video assistant referee review after Virgil van Dijk‘s header was adjudged to have deflected off the arm of Hugo Ekitike.
Mohamed Salah was left out of the squad to face Inter, after the winger triggered a public feud with his manager following the draw with Leeds United on Saturday.
Liverpool have backed Slot in his bust-up with Salah, for now, despite the huge pressure still surrounding the Dutchman.
Keith Hackett criticises ‘inconsistency’ in handball ruling
Konate has been slammed for his Liverpool performances this season, with the defender making countless mistakes amid the Reds’ struggle for results.
The defender did not put a foot wrong against Inter, however, and looked to have found an encouraging moment when he put his side ahead in the first half.
| Ibrahima Konate | vs Inter Milan |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Duels won | 4/6 |
Capitalising on the knock-back, the Frenchman was fastest to beat Yann Sommer to the ball and head into the empty net to put Liverpool in front.
But the video assistant referee saw that Van Dijk’s header had taken a slight deflection off the arm of Ekitike, recommending an on-field review.
Referee Felix Zwayer agreed with the verdict and was happy to chalk off the goal, but former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that Liverpool can feel hard done by.
“The inconsistency on handball that we are witnessing is further demonstration of what I consider to be a poorly written law,” he said.
“We are seeing referees operating a safety-first approach where if there is any suspicion of the ball striking the hand/arm, they are deeming it an offence.
“There is a great deal of subjectivity and I feel that officials are failing to look to see if there is movement of hand/arm towards the ball and the action deliberate. Too many goals are getting ruled out and Konate can feel disappointed with the decision.”
Would Ibrahima Konate’s goal have been given in the Premier League?
The handball rules are a constant topic of debate in both the Champions League and the Premier League.
In the English top-flight, goals are ruled out when the goal-scorer’s arm makes contact with the ball in the immediate build-up to the goal.
In this case, however, officials would have to determine whether the incident, in isolation, warranted a foul for handball.
Ekitike’s arm is outstretched but likely in a natural position, and given the proximity to Van Dijk’s header, Konate’s goal may well have stood after review.