Virgil van Dijk has criticised the officials after Liverpool were denied a ‘clear penalty’ in defeat to Arsenal.
Liverpool’s impressive recent run came to an end after a 1-0 defeat to the Premier League champions at Anfield, with Kai Havertz scoring the decisive goal.
There was little to split the teams in an even contest, though Liverpool were unable to turn pressure into clear-cut chances.
However, Van Dijk hit out at the officials for missing what he felt was a ‘clear penalty’ as Alexander Isak was pulled back by Jurrien Timber in the area. The Swedish striker did not go down under the contact, but Van Dijk said the match officials should not miss incidents when there are ’50 cameras’ to aid their view.
“I think it was a clear penalty. I’ve seen it back and I’ve seen it being given. Today it wasn’t meant to be.
“We have 50 cameras. Why does he have to complain when there are so many cameras? Everyone has seen it. In the end it wasn’t given and we lose the game unfortunately, so well done to Arsenal.”
Andoni Iraola echoed his captain’s thoughts and said players are penalised for not going down.
“It got seen. There is a clear grab the shirt. Alex was just in front of him, he was going to head in front of the goal but couldn’t because he had the shirt. I don’t understand why they didn’t call it, probably because he has not gone to the floor.
“I think the Gakpo one was not a penalty but the Alex one he was going to head the ball in front of the goalkeeper. He grabbed the shirt. I don’t understand why it wasn’t called.
“You have to dive, if you don’t dive they won’t call it.”
On the result, Van Dijk said Liverpool were disappointed but admitted the Reds did not do ‘enough’ to get a result: “Disappointment. We play at home, we had some opportunities. We tried everything. We could have done a bit better in the last 15 minutes to get more balls in the box. It wasn’t enough today and that’s why disappointment is the feeling I’m having.
“When we conceded we played much better. Alexis could have changed the game.”
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