Liverpool has escaped a potential penalty after a contentious decision against Fenerbahce, prompting criticism of the referee and claims the Reds were fortunate

Liverpool has been accused of getting away with a penalty after a controversial refereeing decision during their clash with Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce appealed for a penalty after Mason Greenwood went down inside the box while trying to get on the end of a ball over the top. Kostas Tsimikas was closest to the striker and appeared to give him a shove as Greenwood controlled the ball and moved into the area. However, the referee waved away the appeals, with VAR opting not to intervene.

TNT co-commentator Ally Mccoist argued that Tsimikas clearly pushed Greenwood with both hands just as the striker was preparing to shoot, preventing him from getting an effort away on goal.

"It is a penalty. There are two hands on him. It's not even one hand and it prevents Greenwood from getting a shot on goal," McCoist said. "It is a shove

"The first touch is exquisite and Tsimikas pushes him with both hands when he is about to shoot. I think Liverpool has got away with one. Just because it doesn't look bad doesn't mean it's not a penalty."

The decision also sparked debate among soccer fans on social media, with several questioning how Fenerbahce were not awarded a penalty. "Fenerbahce has been robbed of a penalty. Two hands pushing is a foul and that should’ve been a penalty," said one fan on X.

Another added: "Fenerbache should be getting a penalty here. They're clearly robbed here. Tsimikas is clearly pushing that fernabache player with two hands. That should be given as a penalty!!!!"

Liverpool made the most of its reprieve at the other end, taking the lead through youngster Trey Nyoni. The Reds won a corner which was worked to Dominik Szoboszlai, whose delivery found Virgil van Dijk at the far post.

The Liverpool captain was unable to make clean contact under pressure from a defender, with the ball falling kindly for Nyoni. The teenager reacted quickest to fire a first-time effort towards goal, which took a slight deflection on its way past the goalkeeper

However, Fenerbahce quickly equalized. The hosts won a free-kick in a dangerous position, with Greenwood stepping up to take it. His effort struck the Liverpool wall, but Jeremy Jacquet's attempt to block the shot saw the ball hit his chest and deflect past Alisson into the back of the net.

Former Reds defender Stephen Warnock believes that Liverpool has controlled much of the contest but continue to look vulnerable defensively. "Liverpool have dominated the game but Fenerbahce's chances - and now their equaliser - show that there is still always a concern with Andoni Iraola's side that they will concede a goal, even out of nothing." he said on MOTD: UEFA Champions League.

"They are so open, and keep getting caught on the counter-attack."