Controversial VAR call denies Liverpool denied dramatic 97th minute comeback vs Toulouse

Liverpool were denied a dramatic 97th minute equaliser for a controversial VAR decision in their Europa League clash against Toulouse on Thursday evening.

With Liverpool 3-2 down to Toulouse with just seconds on the clock, a scramble in the box led to defender Jarell Quansah sweeping the ball into the net and wheeling away in celebration.

However, after a lengthy VAR check Alexis Mac Allister was penalised for a handball in the build up and the goal was overturned.

While the ball had clearly bounced off the midfielder's chest onto his arm, it was a long time before Quansah eventually scored.

It may have been wrongly ruled out however. Indeed, IFAB laws, as per Sky Sports, 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".

After the game a bemused Jurgen Klopp stormed onto the pitch, presumably to question the officials' decision to overturn the late equaliser.

On TNT Sports however, Joe Cole argued that the referee was right to rule the goal out.

The former Liverpool midfielder said: "I think it was a handball.

"It was a strange situation because we were all wondering what was going to be the decision given the handball happened quite a while before the goal went in, but the ref got it right.

"Much to the dismay and frustration of Liverpool fans and players, it was the right call."

Liverpool dropped points for the first time in Group E, but still remain at the summit, two points clear of Thursday night's opponents and five clear of Union Saint-Gilloise.

While it was a night to forget in France, a win from either of their final group matches will secure a top-two spot for the Reds.