Moussa Sissoko handball: Peter Walton explains why referee had ‘no option’ over Liverpool penalty

Peter Walton believes referee Damir Skomina had “no option” but to award a penalty against Tottenham in Saturday’s Champions League final.

The early decision to punish Moussa Sissoko for handball – which subsequently saw Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah score from the spot – was met with anger and confusion from Spurs fans.

The ball hit Sissoko’s arm after cannoning off his chest from Sadio Mane’s point blank cross, with many feeling the midfielder’s “handball” was not deliberate given how little reaction time he had.

However, former Premier League referee and BT Sport pundit Walton explained that the position of Sissoko’s outstretched arm was the deciding factor.

“Sissoko’s arm is so pronounced it’s unbelievable and when you see the ball coming across like that… yes, it may hit his chest but his arm actually comes down towards the ball as well. That gives the referee Skomina no option whatsoever but to award a penalty kick,” Walton said.

“We talk about the law being changed for next year, at the moment it hasn’t been changed, but even under the current law a handling offence there, as we’ve seen consistently in the Champions League this season has been awarded for that type of offence.”

Liverpool went on to win the game 2-0 thanks to a late goal from Divock Origi, a result which sealed their sixth European Cup.