Updated 21:12 4 Nov 2025 GMTPublished 20:54 4 Nov 2025 GMT
VAR controversially overturned Liverpool’s free-kick.
Fans are all making the same point as VAR controversially overturned a huge decision during Liverpool vs. Real Madrid.
The Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real exploded into life when the hosts were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position in the 30th minute, with match referee Istvan Kovacs reviewing VAR to determine whether to upgrade his decision to a penalty.
Kovacs reviewed the incident after Dominik Szoboszlai smashed the ball onto Aurelien Tchouameni’s hand.
But he controversially overturned his original decision as he decided against awarding a free-kick or penalty to the dismay of Mark Clattenburg on Amazon Prime.
Former Premier League referee Clattenburg found it interesting that Kovacs was allowed to have a second opinion, comparing it to how VAR is operated in England’s top flight – with Alan Shearer also disagreeing with the decision.
The Romanian official adjudged Tchouameni did not make his body bigger and had his hand by his body.
Play resumed via a drop-ball for the visitors as the Liverpool faithful fumed inside Anfield.
Needless to say, Kovacs’ decision to overturn Liverpool’s free-kick sent social media wild as people couldn’t believe what they witnessed.
One X user wrote: “Bruv he gave a free kick and went to do a penalty check then overturned the FREE KICK????????? When has VAR ever just overturned a free kick wtf???”
A second said: “Since when could you change free kicks with VAR?”
A third questioned: “VAR can overturn free-kicks????”
A fourth added: “Referee gives a free kick for a hand ball just outside the box. VAR review shows it’s inside the box. Referee gives a drop ball. Never seen anything like it in my life.”
Another commented: “Is that the first time a free kick has ever been overturned on VAR?”
Featured Image Credit: Champions League
Topics: Fan Reactions, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Football
