Liverpool’s Joe Gomez calls for ‘common sense’ after controversial handball decision in Man City draw

Defender gave away a penalty after a Kevin De Bruyne shot hit his arm from close range

(Getty Images)

Liverpool’s Joe Gomez has called for “common sense” in the application of the handball law and VAR following the penalty awarded against the defender in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Manchester City.

Mohamed Salah gave the visitors the lead on 13 minutes at the Etihad Stadium, scoring from the spot after Sadio Mane had been fouled by Kyle Walker, and Gabriel Jesus netted an equaliser for City shortly after the half-hour mark.

Kevin De Bruyne then had the chance to give the hosts the lead when he won a penalty after blasting the ball at Gomez’s arm from close range.

The Belgium international missed from the spot, but – at full-time – Gomez was keen to air his frustration around the handball rule and usage of VAR.

“Everyone knows the power De Bruyne can hit the ball with,” he said.

“In that moment, I’m just running towards the goal. I haven’t made an attempt to handle the ball.

“I've got to accept the decision. For me it was a natural running position. It just hit my hand; there wasn’t much I could do about it.

“Putting your hands behind your back is not a natural way to defend. It’s frustrating when the referee goes and looks over at the incident in slow motion.

“At some point you have to look at the game in real time. Judge a scenario for what it is.

“When a team has a counter-attack, if a player has the ball you’re not going to run with your hands behind your back. You have to look at the scenario with some common sense.”

The result leaves champions Liverpool third in the table with 17 points from eight games, behind second-placed Tottenham on goal difference and behind leaders Leicester by one point.

Meanwhile, City remain 10th in the standings on 12 points but with a game in hand.