Liverpool snatch late draw against Newcastle with VAR penalty
Liverpool salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United following a stoppage-time penalty decision confirmed by VAR.
Referee Stuart Attwell pointed to the spot in the 96th minute after Lewis Hall brought down Victor Muñoz inside the penalty area.
The Merseyside club capitalised on the late lifeline to snatch a point after a largely underwhelming performance at St James’ Park.
Late drama checked by VAR
The on-field decision was immediately reviewed by video assistant referee James Bell.
Audio communications revealed Attwell noted that the Newcastle defender failed to play the ball and made clear contact with his opponent.
“He doesn’t play the ball. He makes clear contact,” Attwell told the VAR team.
The penalty call was swiftly confirmed, with officials citing direct knee-to-thigh contact on the charging attacker.
Expert analysis supports decision
Former elite referee Andy Davies reviewed the incident and concluded that the match officials made the correct call.
Davies noted that an attacker moving into the penalty area at speed leaves defenders running a high risk of committing a foul.
The former Premier League official described the late challenge by the Magpies defender as clumsy and naïve.
Conversely, Davies praised the clever play of the Liverpool forward in drawing the crucial foul.
A needless lifeline
Newcastle supporters will undoubtedly feel aggrieved at dropping late points in such a controversial manner.
However, the stoppage-time challenge by the young full-back was ultimately needless and directly responsible for gifting the visitors an equaliser.
The result sees the Reds escape with a vital Premier League point despite struggling to match the intensity of their hosts.