Liverpool were denied a penalty in the first half against Arsenal, a decision Sky Sports pundits believed was wrong. The incident occurred in the 21st minute at Anfield, with Liverpool searching for an equaliser after falling behind to Kai Havertz's third Premier League goal of the season.
From a free-kick, Alexander Isak appeared to have his shirt pulled in the box by Jurrien Timber. Replays showed the pull was enough to stop the in-form Liverpool striker from making contact with the cross.
VAR clears the incident
To the surprise of Reds head coach Andoni Iraola, no penalty was awarded. Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones revealed at half-time that the incident was checked and cleared by VAR.
Daniel Sturridge, speaking on Sky Sports' Super Sunday show, said the VAR officials had made a mistake, describing the shirt pull as "clear and blatant".
"If he [Isak] makes more of it, it's a penalty. I don't think he makes enough of it," Sturridge said. "It's clear and blatant."
Former players react
Ian Wright, a former Arsenal striker, admitted his former club got away with the decision. "He shouldn't have to make more of it. We can see it. As an Arsenal man, I'm glad we got away with it," he said. "Unless I'm pulled back, I'm going to head it as much as I can. When he pulled him, it was just about enough as he would need to go down."
Jamie Carragher also criticised the VAR decision, saying: "One of the best goalscorers in the league is pulled back seven yards out and it stops him heading the ball - why does he need to make a meal of it? VAR do your job."
