Liverpool instant double VAR verdict after controversial Galatasaray incidents

Liverpool and Galatasaray both had a goal disallowed in the closing stages of their Champions League last-16 first-leg encounter in Istanbul. VAR intervened to save Ibrahima Konate 62 minutes into the match, after Victor Osimhen smashed the ball into the net following a disastrous mistake from the centre-back.

Already trailing 1-0 due to Mario Lemina's strike in the seventh minute, Konate miskicked the ball as he tried to pass it back to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili on the edge of his own box 62 minutes into the game. Noa Lang seized upon the blunder, sprinting past the final line of defence before lofting it towards Osimhen at the far post.

Although Konate managed to get back in front of the Galatasaray forward, he fluffed a goal line clearance before Osimhen fired it home from close range to seemingly extend the hosts' lead to 2-0. However, Konate was spared further embarrassment when the goal was disallowed moments later.

Despite Baris Alper Yilmaz being offside when the initial ball was played towards Konate, the winger didn't contribute to the goal, leaving many viewers puzzled as to why the goal was chalked off.

TNT Sports co-commentator Steve Sidwell, on the other hand, suggested that Yilmaz interfered with Konate's attempts to recover possession and that was the reason for the goal being overruled.

Just moments later, Liverpool found themselves on the receiving end of a contentious ruling after apparently drawing level from a scrambled corner. Dominik Szoboszlai delivered the ball into the six-yard area with power, before Konate seemingly made amends for his earlier error by bundling it into the net with his shoulder.

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But VAR determined that the ball had struck Konate's arm, which then deflected off Virgil van Dijk before crossing the goal line. The decision was subsequently taken to disallow the goal for handball.

Liverpool were unable to draw level and will enter next week's return fixture at Anfield with a one-goal deficit to overturn should they hold any hopes of progressing.

Their home advantage will be bolstered further by the fact that Galatasaray supporters will not be allowed to attend the match, due to spectators 'throwing objects, lighting fireworks and causing crowd disturbances' during their 3-2 loss at Juventus last month.

It emerges as the Champions League, alongside the FA Cup, present Liverpool with a final opportunity to rescue their campaign after faltering domestically. With only nine fixtures remaining in the Premier League, the Reds occupy sixth position in the table - 19 points behind league-leading Arsenal.