EPL: Panel confirms VAR error in Liverpool-Arsenal clash

Alexander Isak (centre) has scored seven goals in nine Premier League games for Liverpool this season Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty during their Premier League clash against Arsenal after Alexander Isak was pulled back by Jurrien Timber, the league’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has ruled, according to BBC Sport on Wednesday.

The incident occurred in the 21st minute of the match at Anfield on November 1, when Isak attempted to connect with a cross from Bradley Barcola but was prevented from reaching the ball after Timber grabbed his shirt.

Referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue, while video assistant referee (VAR) Stuart Attwell reviewed the incident but decided against recommending an on-field review.

However, the KMI Panel voted 4-1 that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty, while a separate 3-2 majority agreed that VAR should have intervened and sent Madley to the pitchside monitor.

The panel’s majority view was that the decision not to award a penalty constituted a clear and obvious error.

Two members, however, pointed to the subjectivity involved in determining the impact of the shirt pull as justification for VAR not intervening.

The panel unanimously agreed that Timber’s challenge did not warrant a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

Arsenal were leading 1-0 at the time through Kai Havertz, and the goal proved decisive as Mikel Arteta’s side secured all three points.

• You can’t say no to Madrid — Spanish striker Espí
• I had emergency heart treatment before World Cup opener — McTominay
• 19 Arsenal stars set for international duty

After the match, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola criticised the decision, arguing that Isak was prevented from making contact with the cross because of Timber’s shirt pull.

He suggested that players were increasingly being forced to go to ground to convince referees to award penalties.

The KMI Panel also identified another VAR error in the Championship fixture between Ipswich Town and Hull City on October 31.

According to the panel, Ipswich should have been awarded a penalty after Nobel Mendy held back Dara O’Shea during a corner-kick situation.

Referee Peter Bankes failed to spot the offence, while VAR Neil Davies took no action.

The incident occurred when the match was goalless. Ipswich scored shortly afterwards, but Hull fought back to secure a 2-2 draw.