Greenwood equalises after disputed penalty call overshadows Liverpool's Champions League opener against Fenerbahce

Mason Greenwood cancelled out Trey Nyoni’s opener for Liverpool in the clubs’ UEFA Champions League meeting, but the match was overshadowed by a first-half incident in which Fenerbahce were denied what many felt was a clear penalty.

Midway through the first half, Greenwood was played through on goal only for Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas to push him with both hands, knocking him off balance before he could shoot. Referee and VAR both waved away the appeals, a decision that drew sharp criticism from pundit Ally McCoist.

“It’s a penalty, it’s two hands, not even one hand,” McCoist said. “That prevents him for me getting a shot on goal. Both hands. I think it’s a penalty, I really do. It’s a shame because it’s a great ball and an exquisite touch.”

McCoist was equally unequivocal on the non-review: “He pushes him both hands when he’s in the process of having an attempt on goal — just because it doesn’t look like it, doesn’t make it not a penalty.”

Liverpool took the lead shortly afterwards when Nyoni’s effort deflected in, but Fenerbahce responded almost immediately through Greenwood’s free-kick. The set-piece appeared to be drifting wide until Liverpool’s Jeremy Jacquet inadvertently diverted the ball past a helpless Alisson.

McCoist noted the fortunate nature of the equaliser: “He gets a break, doesn’t he? The goalkeeper will not be too happy with his wall. Does somebody turn their back on it? It’s Jacquet and he’s livid — you’ve got to face it. The goalkeeper is absolutely livid, and with justification. He’s side on, someone who has had a good start to the season.”

The deflection left Alisson visibly furious, with replays confirming Jacquet turned his back as the ball arrived, changing its trajectory entirely. The controversy surrounding both the penalty decision and the manner of the goal ensured the tie remained a talking point well beyond the action itself.