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Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has assured Liverpool that the crucial penalty awarded to Leeds on Saturday was the correct call.
Arne Slot's side saw two leads evaporate as the newly-promoted team clinched a thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road. Hugo Ekitike's rapid double had put Liverpool 2-0 ahead shortly after the break. However, the tide turned when Ibrahima Konate made a sliding tackle on Wilfried Gnonto.
The Frenchman's ill-judged challenge occurred just as the ball seemed to be heading out of play, marking another difficult moment for Konate, who is out of contract next summer and could leave Liverpool in January, in what has been a challenging season.
Referee Anthony Taylor initially dismissed the penalty appeals, but VAR advised him to take a second look. After reviewing the incident on the pitch-side monitor, he reversed his decision and awarded the penalty.
Slot expressed his dissatisfaction with VAR's involvement, pointing out inconsistencies in its use. While featuring on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, Gallagher stood by the decision, stating: "The ball is definitely in play. Konate didn't have to make that tackle."
Former QPR star Jay Bothroyd also chimed in on the matter, criticising Konate's decision to commit to the tackle.
"Konate just has to stay on his feet," he remarked. "He's lunged in and not touched the ball. I really can't understand it. It's a terrible decision from Konate."
Former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin slotted home the spot-kick, and just two minutes later, Leeds drew level through Anton Stach.
The Reds believed they had secured all three points when Dominik Szoboszlai found the net with a superb strike, only for Ao Tanaka to grab a dramatic 96th-minute leveller from a set-piece.
Responding to the crucial penalty call, Slot commented: "The ball went out, the player went down, and there was contact. A lot of people will say it's correct VAR intervened. The question is, should VAR have interfered?
"Probably a lot of people would say that's correct, but these same people should look at some games we have played in games this season when VAR didn't come."
The outcome has left Liverpool languishing in ninth place. Their brilliant opening to the season, which saw the Reds claim victory in their opening five fixtures, including a triumph over Arsenal to sit atop the table, now seems a distant memory.
The situation wasn't improved by Mohamed Salah launching an attack on Slot during a heated encounter with journalists in the mixed zone at Elland Road.
All attention will focus on Slot ahead of the Reds' Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Tuesday.
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