Rio Ferdinand 'cannot believe' Liverpool decision against RB Leipzig as VAR slammed

was left stunned after referee Sandro Scharer did not award striker a penalty in the Reds .

Facing off against the Bundesliga side at the Red Bull Arena in what was their third game this term in Europe's elite club competition. And while Nunez did get himself on the scoresheet after tapping home a Mohamed Salah header which looked to be going in anyway, there was another moment in the first half that left fans shocked when the Uruguayan wasn't awarded a penalty by Scharer.

On 38 minutes, Nunez raced into the box looking to latch on to a ball, with Willi Orban covering for Leipzig. However, smartly, Nunez managed to get a touch on the ball, leaving Orban to make contact with the Reds forward who went down in the box.

Initially, it was unclear or not whether Nunez had been touched by Orban. However, a VAR replay showed there was contact in the box only for Scharer to not award Nunez a penalty. And the incident left Ferdinand and ex-Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman perplexed at half-time.

Ferdinand said: "I don't know how VAR has looked at this and said 'no, play on'. When you see it in slo-mo, there is contact. VAR would have seen that angle and still said no and not given it. I can't believe it!" McManaman added: "Of course it is a penalty. Nunez earned that himself through his hard work, running, chasing lost causes."

The two also discussed Nunez's goal against Leipzig, with McManaman adding: "As a center-forward, you expect him to do that. Mo Salah’s header could have bounced off the post. He does what anyone who is in need of a goal does."

Ferdinand said: "If there is anyone on the pitch, who Mo Salah would have been OK about nicking his goal, it is Darwin Nunez. He is struggling for goals."

Liverpool.com says: "We're still a bit bemused as to how Liverpool weren't awarded a penalty against RB Leipzig for Orban's challenge on Nunez. However, at least the Uruguayan scored in what was just his second start of the season."