Liverpool were wrongly denied a penalty during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield, according to the Premier League’s independent Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel.
The incident involved Alexander Isak and Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, who pulled the Liverpool forward’s shirt as he attempted to reach a cross from Bradley Barcola. Referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue, with VAR Stuart Attwell subsequently deciding against recommending an on-field review.
The panel has now ruled that the decision was incorrect. Four of its five members voted that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty, concluding that Timber’s shirt-pull constituted an offence.
There was also a majority verdict that VAR should have intervened. Three members considered the incident a clear and obvious error that warranted sending Madley to the pitchside monitor, while the other two felt the subjective nature of the contact meant it did not meet the required threshold for intervention.
Liverpool should have had penalty against Arsenal, Premier League panel rules
The Premier League‘s review emphasised that officials should penalise holding when it has a clear material impact on play. Factors include whether a defender is focused on an opponent rather than the ball, makes an attempt to challenge for it, uses both arms to hold and maintains contact that affects the opponent’s movement.
The panel concluded that Timber’s challenge met that threshold and should have resulted in a spot-kick.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola had questioned the decision immediately after the match, describing the incident as a clear shirt-pull. He also suggested that players might feel compelled to go to ground to ensure such offences are recognised by officials.
Arsenal ultimately held on to their lead, with Kai Havertz’s first-half goal securing a 1-0 victory and the club’s first league win at Anfield since 2012.
The KMI Panel’s verdict provides official backing for Liverpool’s penalty appeal, although it does not change the result.
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