Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has confirmed that VAR was right to overturn Liverpool's penalty in the first half of their match against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Mohamed Salah went down in the box under a challenge from Brennan Johnson, with referee Andy Madley initially pointing to the spot. However, after a VAR review, the decision was reversed.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, Dean explained: 'I don't think it's a penalty kick. I think Johnson's gone in to win the ball, Salah's knocked it past him, Johnson's got a touch on the ball, it's then hit Salah. I don't think Salah's even looking for a penalty, I just think he's lost his balance and gone down. So for me it shouldn't be a penalty kick - and if anything it's probably just outside as well.'
Fellow pundit Tim Sherwood was more direct, stating: 'I think he's dived, Johnson makes a dive and Salah goes over, he jumps straight over. Soon as he hits the floor, he's straight up Mo Salah.' The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision on X, citing that Johnson got a touch on the ball, resulting in a drop ball to the goalkeeper.
Despite the overturned penalty, Liverpool went on to win 3-1 at Anfield, with goals from Alexander Isak, Andy Robertson, and Florian Wirtz. Isak has been leading the line due to an injury to Hugo Ekitike, who ruptured his Achilles tendon and faces up to nine months out.
