VAR CONFIRMS KIERAN TRIPPIER HANDBALL – LIVERPOOL ROBBED OF CLEAR PENALTY!…

The reason Liverpool was not awarded a penalty for Kieran Trippier’s handball against Newcastle has been clarified by EFL communications.

During the first half of the Carabao Cup final, just before the 40-minute mark, Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Newcastle’s right-back Trippier were both tracking the ball as Liverpool aimed to score, with the match still tied at 0-0.

Trippier skillfully controlled a high ball, but it appeared to hit his hand. Diaz and Andy Robertson quickly appealed to referee John Brooks for a penalty, but none was given to the Premier League leaders.

The VAR team reviewed the incident and confirmed the referee’s decision. Trippier, recognized as one of the top right-backs in the league, attempted to persuade Brooks that the contact was unintentional.

EFL communications later stated on X (formerly Twitter) that play continued as normal after VAR’s clear confirmation, indicating that Trippier’s arm was in a natural position and there was no intent to handle the ball.

The VAR review upheld the referee’s decision, concluding that Trippier’s arm was in a typical position and there was no deliberate action towards the ball.

At halftime, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who was providing commentary for the match, surprisingly concurred with Brooks, stating that Trippier’s handball did not constitute a clear and obvious foul.

Shortly thereafter, the unexpected Dan Burn found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock.

A significant lapse in marking allowed Alexis Mac Allister to struggle against Burn’s towering 6-foot-7 stature throughout the first half, leading to Arne Slot’s team conceding the first goal as Burn headed it in.

In the 53rd minute, the inevitable Alexander Isak extended Newcastle’s advantage.

The formidable Swede, often hailed as one of the top strikers globally, sealed the deal by striking a close-range volley past Caoimhin Kelleher.