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Ollie Watkins' goal vs Liverpool was not checked by VAR.(Image: (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) )

Aston Villa's second goal against Liverpool was not disallowed for handball in the build-up because referee Craig Pawson viewed John McGinn's action as 'accidental'.

Arne Slot's side fell behind just before half-time at Villa Park as Ollie Watkins headed home Lucas Digne's cross.

However, the Liverpool players were furious as they felt McGinn handled the ball the lead-up to the goal.

As Diogo Jota tried to poke the ball to a Liverpool teammate, McGinn appeared to intercept the pass using his hand.

The Villa man then started off an attack which led to Watkins finding the back of the net.

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Replays showed that McGinn handled the ball, albeit from a close proximity to Jota.

Nevertheless, Virgil van Dijk and the rest of the Liverpool squad were angry that Pawson didn't give handball.

VAR couldn't even have a look and intervene because it was too far back in the move.

And after the goal was scored, the reason why Pawson chose not to give handball in the moment was revealed.

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TNT Sports commentator Sam Matterface said that referee Pawson, who had a clear view of the incident, didn't give handball because he felt it was 'accidental'.

That is going to mean little to the Liverpool fans, who saw their side throw away a 1-0 lead going into the break.

They led thanks to Mohamed Salah's 24th Premier League goal of the season.