There was early drama at Old Trafford, and Benjamin Šeško found himself right at the centre of it, controversy and all.
Manchester United doubled their advantage against Liverpool inside the opening quarter, but not without raising eyebrows. Šeško bundled the ball home after a chaotic sequence that started with Bruno Fernandes’ cushioned header, took a heavy deflection off Freddie Woodman, and then ricocheted kindly into the Slovenian’s path.
From there, it was instinct and a finish that had just enough doubt about it to spark immediate protests.
Liverpool were convinced. Arne Slot, animated on the touchline, led the appeals, adamant that the ball had brushed Šeško’s hand before crossing the line. With Champions League stakes looming large, every touch mattered.
VAR took its time.
But the call? Goal stands.
The Premier League later clarified the decision, pointing to a lack of definitive proof. Simply put, there wasn’t enough to overturn what the referee had seen in real time.
“The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR with it deemed there was no conclusive evidence that Sesko handled the ball before scoring.”
For Liverpool, it felt like one of those moments the kind that tilts games and seasons.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was more concerned about events leading to the moment that led to the goal but was unsure if the ball touched the hand or not but expressed his dissatisfaction with VAR against his team in the season so far.