Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal after Jurrien Timber pulled back Alexander Isak during their Premier League clash at Anfield, the league’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has ruled.
The incident occurred in the 21st minute on November 1 when Isak attempted to connect with a cross from Bradley Barcola but was prevented from reaching the ball by Timber’s shirt pull.
Referee Andy Madley waved play on, while VAR Stuart Attwell declined to recommend an on-field review.
However, the KMI Panel voted 4-1 that Liverpool deserved a penalty, with a separate 3-2 majority ruling that VAR should have intervened.
The majority considered the decision a clear and obvious error, although two members argued that the impact of the shirt pull was subjective.
The panel unanimously agreed that Timber’s challenge did not warrant a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
Arsenal eventually secured a 1-0 victory through Kai Havertz’s goal, leaving Liverpool frustrated.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola criticised the decision after the match, arguing that Isak was prevented from reaching the cross and warning that players increasingly feel compelled to go to ground to win penalties.
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