The former winger didn’t hold back, claiming he “refused to believe the referee actually turned a blind eye” to what he described as a blatant penalty shout involving Mohamed Salah.
The incident in question unfolded in the second half, around the 65th minute, as Liverpool pushed for an equalizer after initially taking the lead through Dominik Szoboszlai’s thunderous free-kick. Salah, ever the focal point in attack, burst into the penalty area chasing a through ball from Ryan Gravenberch. City defender Marc Guehi (who had earlier been booked for pulling back Salah on the edge of the box) appeared to wrap an arm around the Egyptian’s shoulder, holding him back and restricting his movement as he attempted to get on the end of the pass.
Replays from multiple angles—widely shared across social media and pundit shows—clearly showed Guehi’s arm hooked around Salah’s upper body, impeding his run and preventing a clean shot or control. Salah went down under the contact, appealing passionately, but referee Craig Pawson waved play on without hesitation. VAR, once again under scrutiny, offered no intervention, allowing the game to continue without review.
Barnes, speaking on his podcast and later quoted in post-match discussions, blasted the decision as indefensible. “I refused to believe the referee actually turned a blind eye to that,” he said. “It’s a clear hold—arm around the shoulder, Salah’s momentum checked inside the box. That’s a penalty in any language. The fact VAR stayed silent is beyond comprehension. We’re talking about one of the game’s biggest decisions in a title-deciding match, and they let it go? It’s not good enough.”
The former England international went further, accusing officials of inconsistency in applying handball and foul rules this season, particularly in big games involving Liverpool. He referenced the earlier chaos in stoppage time—where Szoboszlai received a straight red for a holding offense on Erling Haaland (despite a goal being scored)—as evidence of a pattern. “One minute they’re ultra-strict on DOGSO, the next they’re blind to a blatant tug in the box. Fans aren’t asking for favors; we’re asking for consistency and common sense.”
Liverpool supporters have rallied behind Barnes’ comments, flooding platforms like X and Reddit with clips of the incident, memes labeling it “another Anfield robbery,” and demands for PGMOL accountability. Many pointed out that similar shoulder holds have been penalized elsewhere this campaign, fueling accusations of bias or incompetence. Salah himself, visibly frustrated post-match, was seen shaking his head in disbelief on the touchline, adding fuel to the fire.
The non-penalty came at a pivotal juncture: Liverpool were dominating territory at that stage, creating chances, but City’s resilience—and eventual comeback through Bernardo Silva and Haaland’s penalty—turned the tide. Had the spot-kick been awarded, Salah (a lethal finisher from 12 yards) could have leveled or even put the Reds ahead again, potentially altering the outcome of a fixture that keeps the Premier League title race razor-tight.
This latest controversy piles more pressure on refereeing standards in the division. Barnes, known for his no-nonsense analysis, joins a chorus of voices—including some neutrals—who argue that VAR’s promise of accuracy is failing in high-profile moments. For Liverpool, already reeling from Szoboszlai’s suspension, Alisson’s positioning errors, and internal frustrations, the ignored Salah appeal represents another layer of injustice in what has been a rollercoaster season under Arne Slot.
As the Reds prepare for their next outing without key players, the debate rages on: was it a clear penalty missed, or a subjective call? Barnes’ passionate outburst ensures the incident won’t fade quietly—fans are demanding answers, and the spotlight on officials burns brighter than ever.
