Marcos Senesi's Controversial Handball Decision Against Liverpool: The Verdict That Sparked Debate

Less than 20 minutes into the new Premier League campaign and we've already witnessed a contentious incident that's bound to spark endless debate.

Liverpool and Bournemouth were locked at 0-0 in their season opener at Anfield when the clock hit the 13-minute mark. As the Reds launched the ball forward seeking Hugo Ekitiké, Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi nearly committed a disastrous error.

The Argentine center-back, positioned as the final defender, misjudged how the ball would bounce and lost control of it, essentially serving it up for Ekitiké to pounce on. In what appeared to be a panic reaction, with Ekitiké poised to collect the ball and break clear toward goal, Senesi seemed to intentionally knock the ball away from the striker using his fingertips.

Liverpool's squad immediately recognized what had transpired and pressured referee Anthony Taylor for overlooking the incident, demanding he seek a VAR review. Nevertheless, VAR upheld Taylor's initial decision, leaving many observers bewildered.

NBC Sports commentator Jon Champion conveyed this message from the Premier League Match Centre during the broadcast, stating it was classified as, "a possible goal scoring opportunity, but not an obvious goal scoring opportunity."

The Premier League Match Centre issued this official statement below:

"The referee's decision of no red card for Senesi was reviewed and upheld by VAR – with the incident judged not to constitute a clear handball violation nor denial of a goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO), based on the distance from goal."

Liverpool eventually secured a 1–0 advantage later in the opening half through Ekitiké's maiden goal in a Red shirt.

This story continues to develop, track every moment of the game here.