VAR officials divided as panel backs missed Isak penalty appeal in Liverpool’s defeat by Arsenal

Liverpool’s Alexander Isak should have been awarded a penalty after Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber pulled his shirt during their Premier League meeting at Anfield on 1 November, the league’s key match incidents panel has ruled.

Arsenal won the match 1-0, with Kai Havertz scoring the goal that ultimately settled the contest.

The incident occurred in the 21st minute, when Isak moved to meet a cross from Bradley Barcola. Timber pulled the Liverpool forward’s shirt and prevented him from reaching the ball.

Although the shirt-pull was clear in television replays, referee Andy Madley did not award a penalty. Video assistant referee Stuart Attwell reviewed the incident but supported the on-field decision.

According to the BBC, the panel voted 4-1 in favour of a penalty for Liverpool. Its members were more closely divided over whether VAR should have intervened, voting 3-2 that Madley should have been sent to the pitchside monitor to review the decision.

Iraola criticises Isak decision

After the match, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola criticised the decision not to award a penalty, saying Isak had been clearly prevented from making contact with the ball.

“There was a clear shirt-pull. Alex was directly in front of it and was preparing to head the ball towards goal, but he could not do so because he was being pulled by his shirt,” Iraola said.

“If he had gone to the ground, the referee would have given a penalty 100%. That is how it should have happened, but this is what happened.”

He added sarcastically: “Next time, managers should tell Alex to go to the ground, otherwise the referees will not give anything.”

Iraola continued: “The answer is that you have to go to the ground. If you do not, they will not give you a penalty.”

Second VAR error identified

The panel also found a separate video-assistant refereeing error during Ipswich Town’s match against Hull City on 31 October.

Ipswich should have been awarded a penalty after Noble Mendy pulled Dara O’Shea during a corner, restricting his movement, the panel concluded.

Referee Peter Banks did not spot the infringement, while VAR Neil Davies did not intervene. The panel judged the failure to award a penalty to be an officiating error.

The score was 0-0 when the incident took place. Ipswich later took the lead, but the match finished 2-2.