Pundits divided over VAR controversy in Liverpool's clash with Real Madrid as reason for surprise decision is revealed - after Reds fans were convinced they were getting a penalty

Wayne Rooney and Co couldn't agree on if Liverpool should have been awarded a vital first-half penalty in their Champions League clash with Madrid.

The Reds thought they were about to be awarded a spot kick against their Spanish opponents when Aurelien Tchouameni handled the ball inside the penalty area after a strike from Dominic Szoboszlai.

Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs was sent to the VAR monitor after initially giving a free kick, and Anfield waited in anticipation and expectation of a penalty. When the official blew his whistle, however, he in fact changed his mind on the handball entirely.

Instead, he adjudged that there was no handball offence at all, and instead gave a drop ball to Madrid.

Despite the controversial call, Manchester United legend Rooney welcomed the decision, praising VAR for helping with the call.

'This is why we wanted VAR,' Rooney said on Amazon Prime Video. 'It's brilliant.

'We can all see why the ref gave a pen, [but] it is clearly not a penalty, 100 per cent not.'

Robbie Fowler and Alan Shearer, however, did not agree. Fowler said: 'I can see it given, not given. I am slightly bias, but I think it is a pen. 

'Leading up to it, I'm not sure if it comes off his leg which tells you it is maybe not a penalty. I think that may have swayed him.'

Shearer said: 'It's a huge call, it really is, in a game of this size. It will probably be decided by something like that. It is a big call, one I don't agree with.'

Rooney did, however, have support from Theo Walcott.

The former Arsenal man said: 'Initially maybe the ref thought it hit his back hand. I feel it wasn't a penalty; natural position, distance. I think they have come to the right decision.'

Former Premier League referee had attempted to explain to viewers the process of what had gone on.

He said: 'It's unusual on a factual decision. In the Premier League when it is in and out the area, the VAR will just tell them. It is interesting that he is going to have a second opinion.

'So what the VAR has done, in his opinion... I think it is a handball, the handball is in the area. What he is now saying is it's not a handball, he doesn't believe the defender made his body bigger. 

'That's why the VAR recommended a review, saying the decision is wrong to give handball. I think it is wrong, I think it is handball. It wasn't a natural position. He knows what he is doing blocking that shot, for me it's an unnatural position. But it is handball - handball is so controversial and so subjective.'