Liverpool fans are left baffled after Martin Odegaard goes unpunished for ‘BLATANT handball’ in Arsenal’s top of the table clash at Anfield… as some joke the Norwegian ‘started playing basketball’

Fans are baffled as to why Martin Odegaard's apparent handball went unpunished in Arsenal's top-flight clash with Liverpool.

Midway through the first half, the Arsenal captain slipped into Liverpool's penalty area and as he fell he appeared to put his hand on the ball.

Liverpool were confident there should be a penalty as a result of the incident, but this was not noticed by the referee and subsequently ruled out following a VAR check.

Following the decision, supporters took to social media to share their shock that the handball did not go the way of Jurgen Klopp's side.

'That's blatant handball. Odegaard is very lucky.' One poster raged, while another shouted angrily: 'How is that not a handball? I have never seen a clearer handball in my life.'

The theme continued among the fans at X, and the feeling was that the Norwegian should have been punished for the handball.

'In what world has Martin Odegaard not handled the ball there? Baffling decision.' One supporter said, while another thought he was stating the obvious by saying: 'How can that not be a pen-clear handball.'

Others compared Odegaard's move to a sport more known for using their hands, joking, “Odegaard started playing basketball with it.”

While another supporter joked about Mikel Arteta's recent problems with the referees, saying: 'Odegaard literally saves the ball in the penalty area and it's not given as a penalty. But don't forget the referees are against them.'

Gabriel gave Arsenal an early lead at Anfield, heading home for the Gunners after just three minutes before Odegaard was adjudged not to have handled the ball. Denying Liverpool the chance to draw level.

However, Mohamed Salah leveled the scores just before the half-hour mark as both teams look to top the Premier League at Christmas.