Hannibal Handball Hands Liverpool 93rd‑Minute Win as Carragher Slams 'Brain Dead' Decision
Mohamed Salah converted a stoppage‑time penalty after Hannibal Mejbri handled in the box, prompting sharp criticism from pundits as Burnley slipped to a 1-0 defeat
Burnley lost a hard‑fought point when Hannibal Mejbri conceded a stoppage‑time penalty by handling inside the area, allowing Mohamed Salah to convert in the 93rd minute and give Liverpool a 1-0 victory on Sunday.
The incident prompted strong reaction from Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, who described Mejbri's action as "brain dead" and a "moment of madness" that undid a resilient performance from Scott Parker's side. Fellow pundit Roy Keane echoed that view, saying the decision cost Burnley a deserved point and drawing a parallel with a similar late lapse at Old Trafford.
Burnley had been defending well despite being reduced to 10 men in the second half and frustrated the Premier League champions for long periods, but the late handball handed Liverpool a route to victory. Salah stepped up from the spot and scored, his finish deciding the match.
"Burnley don't deserve that," Carragher said on air, calling the moment "madness" and questioning Mejbri's decision‑making. Keane added: "It's not as if Hannibal's unlucky. It's madness, it's cost them a point. And a point would have felt like a win."
Parker's side had shown resilience after going down to ten men, defending deep and limiting Liverpool's chances, but were ultimately punished for the late error. Carragher and Keane both highlighted Liverpool's persistence, with Keane noting that top teams keep going until the end and are rewarded for doing so.
Mejbri, who previously played for Manchester United, will face scrutiny for the handball as Burnley address the consequence on their results. The defeat leaves Burnley to reflect on a performance that many observers judged worthy of at least a draw before the dramatic finish.
Liverpool, meanwhile, took the narrow victory and the three points, capitalising on the late opportunity. The result will be viewed as another example of the margins that separate teams in tight Premier League encounters, and of how singular moments can dictate outcomes in the closing stages.
Full reaction and postmatch analysis followed on Sky Sports, where pundits emphasised both Burnley's defensive effort and the damaging nature of Mejbri's late mistake. Scott Parker and his players face a quick turnaround as they prepare for upcoming fixtures, while Mejbri's decision will likely be a focal point in the club's internal review and public discussion in the days ahead.