Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp slams VAR over Martin Odegaard 'handball' incident

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp struggled to hide his frustration with the officials after his side were denied a penalty against Arsenal.

Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by the Gunners at Anfield on Saturday, a result which ensures Mikel Arteta's side will be top of the table for Christmas.

Arsenal took the lead through a header from Gabriel Magalhaes after just three minutes.

Liverpool responded well and thought they had won a penalty when Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard handled the ball inside his own area.

However, referee Chris Kavanagh waved play on amid huge protests from the Liverpool players.

Despite replays showing Odegaard slipping and handling the ball, VAR opted not to overturn the decision to the anger of Liverpool fans on social media.

Mohamed Salah equalised for the home side shortly afterwards, with the match eventually finishing 1-1.

Klopp was asked about the handball incident at full-time and once again took aim at the VAR officials.

"I'm pretty sure someone will explain it to me and say it wasn't a handball but I don't know how," Klopp told Sky Sports.

"I won't say the referee can't see it because I have no clue where he was at that moment. But when somebody sits in their office, how can they not come to the conclusion that it might be worth having another look."

He then asked the Sky Sports reporter who was the official on VAR duty.

After the reporter replied "I don't know", Klopp shot back: "I don't know? Great name."

"Someone will explain it to me & tell me it wasn't a handball, but I don't know how" 🤨

Jurgen Klopp doesn't understand why Liverpool weren't given a penalty against Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/fN4Ayda1ep

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 23, 2023

In another interview with beIN SPORTS, Klopp appeared to take aim at former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, who regularly reviews VAR decisions on Sky Sports News.

"I think we all agree that it's a clear handball, but somebody will find something tomorrow – Mr Dermot probably will explain and tell us why it is not a handball," said Klopp.

A point for Liverpool moves them back into second, with Klopp's side one point behind Arsenal and above third place Aston Villa on goal difference.