Alexander Isak has said he does not believe players should have to dive to be awarded a penalty, as the controversy over Liverpool's Premier League defeat to Arsenal continues.
The Reds lost 1-0 to the champions at Anfield a fortnight ago, with several penalty appeals waved away by the officials. The strongest claim came in the first half when Isak had his shirt pulled by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber as he attempted to head a cross from Bradley Barcola.
Referee Andy Madley and VAR Stuart Attwell both deemed there was no offence, but the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel this week ruled a penalty should have been awarded and that VAR should have sent the referee to a pitchside monitor.
Isak's view on the incident
Asked whether it should have been a penalty, Isak said: "Yeah, looking back, I suppose it does look that way. But when you're in the moment, you don't always perceive exactly what's happening.
"I could feel myself being pulled a bit, but not to the extent that it appears later on. I mean, I was focused on scoring. It's hard to try to score and then fall down at the same time. I was so locked in on the goal that I didn't really register it."
No need to exaggerate
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola joked after the game that he may have to order his players to go to ground more readily to ensure fouls are noticed. But speaking to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, Isak added: "I don't think there's any need to embellish or go down on purpose. Sure, if I'd had a better read on the situation, I might have made sure the referee noticed it, that's about all you can do, but I don't believe you need to dive or exaggerate in situations like this.
"Perhaps it shouldn't even matter that much, given that we have VAR and systems in place to make the decisive calls in these kinds of moments."
