Fans outraged by contentious Liverpool penalty call that proved costly against Fulham.

Liverpool fans were left in disbelief over a controversial penalty decision during their home clash with Fulham on Saturday.

The league leaders were frustrated early in the game when Issa Diop and Andreas Pereira made reckless challenges on Andy Robertson and Ryan Gravenberch. Pereira later gave Fulham the lead with an acrobatic finish at the far post, and the situation worsened for Liverpool when Robertson was sent off for fouling Harry Wilson, who capitalized on the Scotland captain’s poor touch.

Despite being down to 10 men, Liverpool equalized shortly after halftime through Cody Gakpo. However, the Reds were furious moments later when they were denied a penalty. As Gakpo cut in from the left, Joe Gomez made an underlapping run and was wiped out by Kenny Tete in a forceful collision. Although Tete appeared to be attempting to block Gakpo’s shot, his challenge injured Gomez, who was replaced by Timothy Castagne. Despite the incident, the referee dismissed Liverpool’s appeals, and VAR upheld the decision.

Outraged fans took to social media, with one stating: “VAR needs to be held accountable for this shambles. Fulham should be down to 10 men and have conceded a penalty.” Another wrote: “Is VAR on strike today? That was a clear penalty for Liverpool.” Others called the referee’s performance a disgrace and described the challenge as a “stonewall penalty.”

The decision became even more pivotal when substitute Rodrigo Munoz restored Fulham’s lead 15 minutes from time after a brilliant assist by Antonee Robinson. Liverpool seemed destined for their first loss since the defeat to Nottingham Forest, but a late equalizer from Diogo Jota salvaged a point for Arne Slot’

s side.