BREAKING Liverpool escape ‘blatant penalty’ against Fulham following ‘shocking’ error as fans furious

The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage among fans and pundits, saw Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher collide with Fulham’s Andreas Pereira in the penalty area, with captain Virgil van Dijk also involved in a contentious challenge on Rodrigo Muniz moments later. Referee Anthony Taylor waved away Fulham’s appeals, and VAR upheld the decision, leaving the home side and their supporters furious as Liverpool went on to take the lead—only to ultimately lose 3-2 in a chaotic first half.

The drama unfolded early when Ibrahima Konate, under pressure, made a sloppy pass that Pereira intercepted near Liverpool’s box. As Pereira squared the ball to Muniz, Kelleher rushed out, appearing to wipe out the Fulham midfielder with a mistimed challenge. Muniz then attempted to reach the loose ball, only for van Dijk to charge in with a robust body check, making significant contact. Despite vehement protests from Fulham players, Taylor dismissed the penalty claims. The Premier League Match Centre later posted on X at 06:16 PDT, stating that VAR confirmed the referee’s call, deeming Kelleher’s collision with Pereira a “coming together” rather than a reckless action, and clearing van Dijk’s challenge on Muniz as well. This explanation did little to quell the anger, with fans on X slamming the decision—one user called it “absolute nonsense,” arguing Kelleher’s challenge was a clear foul, while another labeled van Dijk’s action a “penalty all day.”

Pundits were equally scathing. On Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher called the non-call “shocking,” questioning why VAR focused solely on van Dijk’s involvement and not Kelleher’s initial collision with Pereira. “The keeper cleans out Pereira—it’s a clear penalty. VAR has failed here,” Carragher said. Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison, on BBC Radio 5 Live, noted that Liverpool were “very fortunate,” pointing to Konate’s error as the catalyst for the chaos. The incident has also reignited claims of favoritism toward van Dijk, with a Telegraph Sport analysis on the same day revisiting multiple instances where the Dutch defender allegedly escaped punishment, including a shoulder barge on Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon in December 2024. Former referee Keith Hackett, quoted in the piece, called van Dijk a “serial offender,” insisting that his challenge on Muniz warranted a penalty: “He turns his back, blocks Muniz with no chance of getting the ball—it’s a penalty kick.”

Liverpool capitalized on their reprieve, taking the lead through a stunning 25-yard strike from Alexis Mac Allister. However, their joy was short-lived as Fulham mounted a ferocious comeback, equalizing through Ryan Sessegnon in the 23rd minute before Alex Iwobi and Muniz scored in quick succession, exploiting further defensive errors—including a poor pass from Andy Robertson, which Carragher criticized as “unacceptable from a player of his quality.” The 3-2 defeat marked Liverpool’s second league loss of the season, denting their title charge despite their 12-point lead, while Fulham’s victory bolstered their European ambitions.

For Fulham manager Marco Silva, the non-penalty decision was a bitter pill. Speaking to BBC Sport post-match, he refrained from direct criticism but said, “That moment could’ve changed the game—we deserved more.” The incident has added fuel to the ongoing debate over VAR’s consistency, with fans and analysts pointing to a pattern of controversial decisions favoring Liverpool this season. Posts on X reflected the frustration, with one user at 06:55 PDT calling for “justice for Fulham,” arguing that Liverpool have had “enough luck to last a lifetime.” Meanwhile, Liverpool fans admitted their team “got away with one,” though some deflected blame onto Konate, with one supporter labeling his performance “shocking.”

This latest VAR debacle comes at a tense time for Liverpool, with contract uncertainties surrounding van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold dominating headlines. The escape against Fulham may have offered a brief reprieve on the pitch, but the broader narrative of officiating inconsistencies and perceived favoritism toward big clubs like Liverpool continues to grow. As the Premier League season progresses, this incident at Craven Cottage will likely remain a flashpoint, raising questions about whether technology is truly leveling the playing field—or simply amplifying its flaws.