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Liverpool was prevented from netting a third goal in the opening period of its Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid when a penalty decision was reversed.
Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah had put Arne Slot's team firmly in command of the European tie within just five minutes. Salah subsequently enjoyed several opportunities to claim his brace before it appeared he would secure another from the penalty spot.
Shortly before the interval, Jeremie Frimpong surged down the right flank into the area, though his delivery was turned behind by Clement Lenglet. Initially, a corner kick was awarded, but referee Maurizio Mariani then gestured towards the penalty spot.
Television replays demonstrated the ball had not made contact with his hand; nevertheless, somewhat predictably, he was advised by VAR to consult the pitchside monitor.
The ruling was swiftly overturned, though this didn't prevent scathing assessments from being delivered.
"His arm's up, but it doesn't even touch his arm or his hand," Clinton Morrison said on Sky Sports. "The linesman must have given it because the referee gave a corner.
"If they had given that, I probably would've walked off set."
Ally McCoist and Darren Fletcher were equally bewildered by the decision to award a penalty, with the Scotsman declaring: "That's actually embarrassing. It's shocking."
Given Salah had already found the net, it's entirely plausible that Alexander Isak would have been handed the spot-kick to mark his debut with a goal. The Swede had a couple of near misses in his first 45 minutes donning the Liverpool jersey, but couldn't quite find the back of the net.
Instead, it was Atletico who managed to score, with Marcos Llorente sneaking one in during the first-half stoppage time.
That decision also didn't go down well with McCoist, after Antoine Griezmann appeared to be blocking Alisson's sight of the ball from an offside position.
He said: "My initial reaction was he was offside," McCoist said. "Konate is playing Raspadori onside but it's the shot after... I don't think it should count, Griezmann is in Alisson's line of vision. He is right in front of him.
"No way the goal should have stood. If the ball went in the opposite corner, yes it is a goal. but as soon as the ball goes behind Griezmann, he is blocking Alisson."
But ex-Liverpool star Steve McManaman disagreed, saying: "Llorente does what he needed to do. I think the goalkeeper can see all the ball when the shot is taken and I think that's why he's been given the benefit of the doubt."
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