Liverpool fans left baffled by IFAB law which ‘contradicts’ Alexis Mac Allister handball decision

Liverpool fans have been left baffled by the handball ruling after their last-gasp equaliser was ruled out in the 3-2 defeat to Toulouse.

After a poor performance in France saw them 3-1 down, the Reds had the ball in net twice late on through Diogo Jota and Jarell Quansah.

The 20-year-old thought he had scored an equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

However, in a bizarre turn of events, the referee appeared to signal for the goal before going over to the VAR screen and disallowing the strike for handball against Alexis Mac Allister.

Toulouse players had appealed at the time and the ball did bounce up off his chest and onto his arm in the build-up.

But Liverpool supporters feel confused as according to Sky Sports, the decision may have been incorrect as IFAB laws state that an "accidental handball that leads to a team-mate scoring a goal or having a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offence".

Jarrell Quansah's equaliser was chalked off right at the death for handball ❌

Correct decision? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/KBgkUruCzQ

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 9, 2023

There were plenty of further touches in the phase of play before Quansah slotted home.

Furthermore, in an article on UEFA's website, the governing body's board issued guidelines for the 2023/24 campaign and said that "no handball offence should be called on a player if the ball is previously deflected from his own body and, in particular, when the ball does not go towards the goal".

But Dale Johnson of ESPN has caused further perplexity as he claims that UEFA's stance on handball is different.

Although he states that it was a "terrible VAR decision", Johnson says that in UEFA competitions goals are chalked off for "any handball in attack phase".

Liverpool suffered a first defeat in the Europa League this season following the goal being disallowed and Jurgen Klopp vented at the referee after the full-time whistle.

The Reds will look to bounce back on Sunday when they host Brentford at Anfield.