'Liverpool Getting Robbed'- Handball Controversy Rocks Anfield During Premier League Opener Vs Bournemouth

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 4:40 PM ET

A handball controversy was the highlight of the first half game between Liverpool vs Bournemouth in the 2025/26 Premier League opener. The Reds wanted the card, but referee Anthony Taylor decided not to show any card - as he is the referee that gives books the most in the League.

After Liverpool spent the first couple of minutes of the game pressing high and controlling the game, Bournemouth started to find their own rhythm in the game. With the team pressing high on Liverpool, the Reds had the chance on a counter-attack in which the new forward Hugo Ekitike would go one on one versus the goalkeeper, but the Cherries defender Senesi hit the ball with the hand.

Liverpool players, coaching staff, supporters in the stadium and fans in social media went crazy, as this is considered a "clear goal chance" and a handball in these situations could send off the opposition player. After this play, the game started to get more intense.

- DRAMA! SENESI FAILS TO REACH THE BALL AND CLEARLY USES HIS HAND TO MOVE THE BALL AWAY AND STOP EKITIKE FROM BREAKING AWAY! THE REFEREE SAYS NO — AND HE WAS THE LAST MAN!

ARE LIVERPOOL GETTING ROBBED?!?!?!?!? pic.twitter.com/5yDf4f7ti8
— The Touchline | (@TouchlineX) August 15, 2025

Liverpool fans went crazy on the internet, stating that the team is being robbed and that the handball was clear. Either way, this type of play is reviewed by VAR as it would become a clear goal situation. No one called the referee to watch the replay on the sideline.