2 years ago
Joel Matip's opener against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final was ruled out by VAR.
Chelsea vs. Liverpool: Images
After 69 minutes, Liverpool thought Joel Matip had given them the lead against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. However, after a VAR review, referee Stuart Atwell ruled the opener out, keeping the score at 0-0 in a tense match at Wembley Stadium.
Liverpool were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area on the right side of the pitch 20 minutes into the second half.
Trent Alexander-pinpoint Arnold's delivery found Sadio Mane at the back post, and it looked like something from the training ground.
The Senegal striker headed the ball across the goal line for an unmarked Matip to direct past Edouard Mendy into the net, sending Liverpool fans into a frenzy beneath the famous arch.
Minutes later, however, Atwell was directed to the pitchside monitor to review a potential offence in the build-up, and Matip's deadlock-breaker was quickly disallowed.
On social media, delirious Liverpool fans argued with each other about the decision, with many perplexed as to why VAR dismissed it.
Depending on the VAR scenes and information received by Sky Sports during the overview, it appears that Virgil van Dijk was the main culprit who was penalized.
Reece James attempted to backtrack as Alexander-ball Arnold's looped over Chelsea's defense and would've attempted to stop Mane's squared-ball to Matip.
However, Van Dijk was found to be blocking the England international's run from an offside position and thus interfering with the phase of play illegal means.
Whatever happens, it will be a big topic among fans and pundits in the following the end of the game.
Many will argue that James had no chance of reaching the goal-line in time to intercept Mane's header.
And there will be a huge uproar if Chelsea goes on to win the trophy in extra time or on penalties.
But it was just one of many thrilling moments in a 90-minute film that left viewers wanting more.
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