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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Paul Clarke

Pundits and former referee verdict on Liverpool penalty vs Spurs in Champions League final

Liverpool lead 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final thanks to a second-minute penalty scored by Mohamed Salah, with the decision sparking a debate on social media and in the studio.

BT Sport pundits got the chance to have their say on the Liverpool penalty at half-time, with Michael Owen, Rio Ferdinand and Glenn Hoddle offering their views.

Sadio Mane was the Liverpool player to put pressure on the Spurs' defence when his cross was blocked by Tottenham's Moussa Sissoko.

Hoddle disagreed with Owen and Ferdinand in the studio, but former referee Peter Walton insisted that the decision was the correct call.

"It was an absolute nightmare start for Spurs. If you put your arm up in the penalty area, you are making the decision easy for the referee," Ferdinand told BT Sport.

Hoddle explained: "It hit his chest first. No way was that a penalty."

Owen chimed in: "I think it's a penalty ten years ago and when the next rule comes in."

Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Hoddle responded: "But it hit the side of his chest."

Walton stated: "Sissoko's arm is so far out it's unbelievable. It gives the referee no option whatsoever but to give a penalty kick. That's a penalty and has been consistently given all season."

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