Liverpool handed VAR explanation as Mohamed Salah penalty overturned vs Crystal Palace

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Liverpool thought it would get the chance to take the lead from the spot against Crystal Palace, only to see its penalty overturned after Brennan Johnson's challenge on Mohamed Salah

Liverpool had its penalty overturned by VAR after Mohamed Salah felt he had been brought down(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool was denied a penalty during the first half of its Premier League game against Crystal Palace, with VAR intervening after Mohamed Salah felt he had been brought down.

The Reds thought they were going to get the opportunity to take the lead midway through the first half at Anfield, with Salah going down under the challenge of Brennan Johnson as he made his way into the penalty area. The Palace winger was adamant though that he had got a touch on the ball as he protested with referee Andy Madley.

After a short delay, Madley was sent to review the incident on the pitchside monitor by VAR, with the decision eventually overturned as replays showed Johnson had indeed got to the ball before any contact on Salah.

Explaining the decision, the Premier League Match Centre account on X said: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Liverpool. Referee announcement: “After review, Crystal Palace number 11 gets a touch on the ball. My final decision is a drop ball to the goalkeeper - no penalty.”

Analyzing the incident on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, former Premier League referee Mike Dean said: "I don't think it's a penalty. Johnson needs to get the ball and Salah's knocked it past him.

"Johnson touches the ball and I don't even think Salah is looking for a penalty, he just loses his balance and goes down. It shouldn't be a penalty and if anything, it's just outside as well."

Former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood went one further than Dean, accusing Salah of diving: "Johnson is adamant he hasn't made contact with Salah.

"I think he's dived. It's on the edge of the box anyway and there's no contact. Johnson plays the ball as well. Salah jumps straight up."

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