“The Real Reason Liverpool Were Denied a Penalty After Trippier’s Controversial Handball vs Newcastle”
“Why Liverpool Were Denied a Penalty Against Newcastle After Trippier’s Controversial Handball”
Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier escaped punishment following a controversial handball incident during the first half of their Carabao Cup final clash with Liverpool — and now, EFL officials have explained why the Reds weren’t awarded a spot-kick.
Approaching the 40th minute, Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Trippier both contested a high ball as the Reds pressed for a breakthrough with the score still locked at 0-0. Moments later, drama unfolded.
The ex-Tottenham Hotspur star expertly controlled the ball, but as it dropped, it appeared to strike his hand. Diaz and Andy Robertson immediately appealed to referee John Brooks, yet no penalty was given to the Premier League leaders.
Obvious hand ball not given.
Kieran Trippier’s hand takes the ball out of the path of Luis Diaz in the box.
Should have been a penalty. pic.twitter.com/qtFSNEqZ3T
— Imani: That Good Craic (@imanilfc) March 16, 2025
Reviewed and confirmed by the VAR officials, Kieran Trippier — widely recognized as one of the Premier League’s top right-backs — spent considerable time arguing his case to referee John Brooks, insisting there was no intent behind the apparent handball.
Following the incident, EFL communications took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that play was allowed to continue after VAR determined Trippier’s arm was in a natural position and that there was no deliberate attempt to handle the ball.
Ultimately, VAR backed the on-field decision, ruling that Trippier’s arm was in an expected position and that no intentional handball had occurred — thus, no penalty was awarded.
#LIVNEW – 40’
The referee’s call of no penalty for handball by Trippier was checked and confirmed by VAR – with his arm deemed to be in an expected position with no clear or deliberate action towards the ball.#EFL | #CarabaoCup
— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) March 16, 2025
At half-time, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher — providing commentary for the Wembley showdown — surprisingly agreed with referee John Brooks’ decision, stating that Trippier’s handball was not a “clear and obvious” offence worthy of a penalty.
Soon after the restart, the unlikely hero Dan Burn broke the deadlock. Exploiting a glaring mismatch in marking, the towering 6-foot-7 defender outmuscled Alexis Mac Allister, who struggled to contain him throughout the first half, and headed home the opener — punishing Arne Slot’s side for their defensive lapse.
The ever-clinical Alexander Isak then doubled Newcastle’s advantage in the 53rd minute. The prolific Swedish striker — considered among the finest forwards in world football — was perfectly placed to smash home a close-range volley past Caoimhin Kelleher, putting a firm stamp on Newcastle’s growing dominance.