The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has ruled that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal after Alexander Isak was pulled back by Jurrien Timber during their match at Anfield on 1 November.
Panel Verdict
The panel voted 4-1 that a penalty should have been awarded on the field, and 3-2 that the video assistant referee (VAR) Stuart Attwell should have intervened and sent referee Andy Madley to the pitchside monitor. The incident occurred in the 21st minute when Isak failed to connect with a cross from Bradley Barcola after Timber grabbed his shirt. Arsenal led 1-0 at the time through Kai Havertz, which remained the only goal of the game.
Subjectivity and Impact
Two panellists cited "subjectivity in assessing impact" as a reason not to intervene, but the majority viewed it as a "clear and obvious error" by the VAR. The panel unanimously agreed that Timber's challenge did not warrant a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity, noting that Isak stayed on his feet during the incident.
Manager Reaction
After the match, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola told BBC Match of the Day: "There is a clear grab of the shirt. Alex was just in front of him. He was going to head in front of the goal, but couldn't because he grabbed the shirt. If he goes to the floor, they call the penalty, 100%. It should be like this, but it is what it is. Next time, the managers should tell Alex to go to the floor, otherwise they won't call it. The answer is you have to dive. If you don't dive they won't call it."
Second VAR Error
The KMI Panel also identified a second VAR error on 31 October, ruling that Ipswich should have been awarded a penalty against Hull City when Nobel Mendy held back Dara O'Shea at a corner. Referee Peter Bankes did not spot the offence and VAR Neil Davies took no action. The game was 0-0 at the time; Ipswich took the lead shortly afterwards and the match finished 2-2.
