Premier League Match Centre issue update as Liverpool denied penalty vs Man Utd

It has been revealed why Liverpool were denied a penalty during the first half of their clash against Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. A quarter of an hour or so after Bryan Mbeumo put the visitors ahead , Arne Slot's side called for a spot-kick.

Cody Gakpo cut inside off the left wing and delivered a cross into the box, but, before his pass could find its intended target, the ball struck the arm of Amad. The United winger stopped the ball from heading down the corridor of uncertainty, and it was gathered by Senne Lammens .

The Liverpool players immediately called for a penalty, throwing their arms up in the air in protest. Meanwhile, Amad pleaded his innocence to Michael Oliver, who didn't point to the spot.

The incident was briefly checked by the Video Assistant Referee, Darren England, and his assistant, James Bell, at Stockley Park, but they chose to stick with the on-field decision.

An official statement from the Premier League Match Centre on X, formerly known as Twitter , reads: "The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Amad’s arm was in a natural and justifiable position."

Speaking from the gantry at Anfield on Sky Sports , Gary Neville commented on the drama. The former United defender said: "Amad has his arm in the position that referees give penalties for.

"But it hits his other arm. He just needs to keep his arms down. He finds himself in situations he is not used to: blocking crosses."

Speaking to reporters ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, Ruben Amorim commented on the importance of winning such a fixture. The United boss said: "Firstly, I know what it means to everyone here.

"I try to make it the same thing because for me to win against a fourth division team is always the same responsibility. We need to address every game like it is Liverpool away so that is my focus.

"But, of course, I know that it is a different game. We have not won there for a while, so we want to change that."

On whether last season's meeting at Anfield, which ended 2-2, offers his side great hope, Ruben added: "It's really important and I think we are a better team this year. The most important thing and I think I have said it one million times is the way we are going to play the game.

"Then the rest, we have talent to win games, but we need to be aggressive. We need to be different to what we showed against Manchester City , for example.

"So, if we are aggressive and focused on the task, we can win any game."

On Liverpool's run of three defeats, Amorim said: "I am just focused on my team. Of course, we pay a lot of attention to the opponents and especially an opponent that won the league, and they are a really, really good team with a really, really good coach, but my focus is on my team.

"I just want to see my team playing the way we want to play."

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.

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