Newcastle faced a daunting trip to Anfield for Saturday's early Premier League kick off, with the Magpies going in search of crucial points amid a heated relegation battle. Not many expected Steve Bruce's side to come away with something from the Liverpool clash, but that is just what they did, pulling off a dramatic 1-1 draw in Merseyside.
Jurgen Klopp's men broke the deadlock early on in this tie, with Mohamed Salah scoring an exquisite goal after only three minutes of play. From then on, the Reds appeared destined to win, but despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Liverpool were unable to double their lead.
Things remained like this until stoppage time, with the visitors launching a late attempt to salvage a point, and with their final action of the game, they pulled off an equalizer. Arsenal loanee Joe Willock came to the rescue, scoring in the fifth minute of added time to hand Salah and Co. a huge sucker punch in their top-four race.
Despite the brilliant match and late drama, many were enraged even after the final whistle. This was due to VAR – as usual – with the video assistant referee ruling out a Newcastle goal which appeared clean in the eyes of the viewers.
The Magpies scored twice in stoppage time, with Calum Wilson netting past Alisson prior to Wilson's goal. The English striker broke through on goal, with his saved attempt ricocheting off of him and creeping into the back of the net. VAR checked this goal and deemed it to be handball as it struck him in the arm, but many felt this decision was wrong as the player's limb was tucked in.
VAR disallows a Newcastle equaliser as they attempt to level the score late on at Anfield. At least they scored again.
— Posting Everytime VAR Has A Shocker (@varshockers) April 24, 2021
24/04/2021#VAROUT #LIVNEW pic.twitter.com/4Ncgzwgs4I
This sparked controversy on social media, with fans and pundits alike voicing their criticism of this decision and the overall implementation of VAR. Check out the best tweets below.
That's what Callum Wilson gets for having arms
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) April 24, 2021
That is unbelievable. Callum Wilson is punished for having an arm here.
— UtdArena (@utdarena) April 24, 2021
That's a ridiculous rule and like McMananam said that'd drive football fans mad, not just Newcastle fans.
Watching that disallowed Wilson goal pic.twitter.com/M5t10147Fl
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) April 24, 2021
VAR is killing football, that is a disgrace of a decision. #NEWLIV
— Mig (@cafcmig) April 24, 2021
Btw this disallowed Callum Wilson goal was a joke, like there was nowhere for him to put his hand pic.twitter.com/9End7oID24
— (@F1avs) April 24, 2021
That is ludicrous disallowing that for handball.
— Orbinho (@Orbinho) April 24, 2021
VAR is getting worse and worse and worse
GOT rid of the super league ! Now let's get rid of VAR and the ridiculous handball rule !!
— Rob Lee (@7RobLee) April 24, 2021
I'd say that was justice. VAR is the next thing that needs sticking in a giant bin alongside the ESL.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 24, 2021