Liverpool get VAR verdict as two goals ruled out in chaotic Galatasaray scenes

Two goals were controversially disallowed in the space of a few minutes in Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray

Galatasaray and Liverpool were both controversially denied goal in their Champions League last-16 first leg. The first arrived through Victor Osimhen when he slammed home from just a few yards out after a defensive howler by Ibrahima Konate but his blushes were saved with the offside flag going up against Baris Alper Yilmaz.

Replays showed the versatile forward was behind Liverpool’s final defender when the initial ball was played over and not dealt with by Konate but he did not get onto the ball in that phase of play.

Following a touch elsewhere, he then lifted the ball over Giorgi Mamardashvili with Konate failing to clear and Osimhen taking advantage.

Though he did not directly impact the play, it was suggested by TNT Sports co-commentator Steve Sidwell that Yilmaz impacted Konate’s attempts to regain possession and thus the goal was disallowed.

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Moments later, Liverpool were on the wrong side of a controversial decision with Arne Slot’s side thinking they had equalised from a scrappy corner.

However, VAR deemed that a handball offence was committed which led to the goal being disallowed.

It certainly looked as though both Konate and Virgil van Dijk handled the ball before it nestled in the goal.

Lead commentator Sam Matterface later confirmed the reasoning given for the goal being disallowed was because it struck the arm of Konate and that led directly to the goal.

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The match in Istanbul is the first of two legs, with the return fixture to be played at Anfield on March 18.

Liverpool’s 1-0 narrow defeat may still work in Arne Slot’s favour heading back to Merseyside, especially with Galatasaray fans banned from attending due to sanctions for ‘throwing objects, lighting fireworks and causing crowd disturbances’ during their 3-2 defeat at Juventus in February.

A strong Champions League run could help Liverpool salvage their season, with the Premier League title already out of reach.

Their remaining hopes of silverware lie in Europe and the FA Cup.