Ex-Ref Clattenburg Swoops in with No Penalty Call…

In the colorful world of Champions League football, Liverpool fans were left scratching their heads (and perhaps pulling their hair) after being denied a penalty against PSG. The Anfield faithful erupted like a volcano when Dominik Szoboszlai felt he deserved a spot-kick following a footsie game with Fabian Ruiz that left him stumbling inside the penalty area. Unfortunately for Szoboszlai, former Premier League ref and now part-time penalty judge, Mark Clattenburg, was having none of it.

The eyebrow-raising non-call sparked debate around the stadium like a seagull at a fish and chips stand, leaving Szoboszlai questioning referee Istvan Kovacs’ decisions harder than a math teacher questions students before finals. Meanwhile, the magic of VAR decided to hit snooze and remain silent on the matter. Ousmane Dembele then leveled the match for PSG quicker than you can say “oops,” after sneaking past an unsuspecting Ibrahima Konate.

Jurgen Klopp’s men were already basking in the glory of a lead after the first leg win in Paris, courtesy of Harvey Elliott. However, their hopes of tugging the referee’s heartstrings with that penalty drama didn’t quite go to plan. As the dust settled, Clattenburg dropped the ultimate verdict—it was a no-go, with a hint of disbelief over everything. Better luck next time, Reds!