Jurgen Klopp Discusses Infamous Rodri Handball | OneFootball

Jurgen Klopp’s Reflection on Controversial Rodri Handball Incident

Jurgen Klopp revisited one of the more contentious moments from Liverpool’s 2021/22 season—a campaign that saw them narrowly miss out on an unprecedented quadruple. Amid their heroic efforts, a particular incident involving Manchester City’s Rodri and an alleged handball still resonates strongly with Klopp and the Liverpool faithful. The infamous episode unfolded at Goodison Park, forever stamped in the annals of Premier League drama.

Season of Near Misses for Liverpool

Liverpool’s 2021/22 season was nothing short of cinematic. The Reds were in the hunt for four major trophies, including both domestic cups, the Champions League, and the Premier League. Their journey was marked by relentless pursuit and breathtaking football, culminating in a duel with Manchester City for the league title that lasted until the final day.

However, the season concluded with a mix of admiration and agony. Liverpool secured the domestic cups but faced defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League final and were pipped to the Premier League crown by Manchester City, who overcame a late challenge by clinching a victory against Aston Villa.

Flashpoint at Goodison Park

The flashpoint came on a chilly February evening at Goodison Park. The date was February 26, 2022, and the stakes were incredibly high. Liverpool were trailing their rivals by just three points in a neck-and-neck title race. Meanwhile, Everton were battling their own demons, desperately trying to avoid relegation.

The match itself was tightly contested, with Everton displaying resilience under Frank Lampard’s guidance. The game’s narrative took a dramatic turn after Phil Foden broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute, putting City ahead. But the real controversy arose moments later.

Controversy Reigns: Rodri’s Handball Incident

Everton were pushing for an equalizer when Rodri found himself at the centre of a storm. The Spanish midfielder appeared to handle the ball in the penalty area—a move that could have given Everton a chance to draw level from the spot. Despite fervent appeals and a subsequent VAR review, the penalty was not awarded.

The decision left spectators and pundits baffled. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher later commented on the incident, stating, “It is a penalty, no doubt. I think the VAR inspected it for too long. Paul Tierney is looking through players, he can’t see the incident and Rodri is covering him.” He added, “I think this should have been a VAR decision.”

This moment would remain a significant talking point as Manchester City narrowly finished the season on 93 points, with Liverpool just behind at 92.

Klopp Speaks Out

Jurgen Klopp, known for his candidness, revisited the incident with evident frustration, labeling the situation as “crazy.” His quote, “That situation is crazy to me,” underscores the disbelief and the sting of the moment, which arguably had a substantial impact on the title race’s outcome.

As Klopp reflects on these pivotal moments, the conversation about VAR’s role and its effectiveness in football continues. The Rodri handball incident not only influenced the outcome of a Premier League season but also sparked wider debates about fairness and the use of technology in sport.

Liverpool’s nearly perfect season and the controversial decisions that shaped its end will be talked about for years to come, serving as a reminder of how fine the margins can be in the world of football.