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The Premier League has explained why a penalty was not given against Amad in the early stages of Liverpool's game against Manchester United on Sunday.
The hosts had hoped to earn a spot-kick in the 18th minute when a Cody Gakpo cross was blocked by Amad's arm. While it was a significant deflection off the player's outstretched arm, the short distance the ball travelled proved significant in a penalty not being given.
Referee Michael Oliver felt it was not a foul and that decision was upheld by VAR. Writing on its Match Centre account on X, the Premier League said: "The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Amad’s arm was in a natural and justifiable position."
That was one of two controversial decisions in the first half of the game at Anfield.
United led 1-0 at the break courtesy of Bryan Mbuemo's right-footed strike in front of the Kop End. However, that should not have stood given Alexis Mac Allister was suffering with a head injury at the time.
Play should have been stopped, but Oliver did not spot the Argentinian lying prone on the turf after he collided with Virgil van Dijk.
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