Sky Sports pundits joined Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola and captain Virgil van Dijk in expressing disbelief that Liverpool were not awarded a penalty during their 1-0 home loss to new Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.
A Kai Havertz goal in the 17th minute secured the defending champions their first win at Anfield in 14 years, moving them above Manchester City at the top of the table. The outcome may have been different had referee Andy Madley or VAR spotted a clear pull on Reds striker Alexander Isak's shirt by Gunners defender Jurrien Timber in the first half.
Pundits React to Controversial Call
Reds legend Jamie Carragher said: "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."
Arsenal great Ian Wright said he would have had no complaints if a spot-kick had been awarded. He said: "It's obvious he's pulled is shirt. Why does he need to dive? He shouldn't have to make more of it. VAR is wrong in this instance. Of course it's my team and I'm happy we've won it. But if they gave that penalty, I wouldn't sit here and say: 'I can't believe they gave that'."
Players and Coaches Weigh In
Daniel Sturridge, who counts Liverpool among his old clubs, added: "Unfortunately, he (Isak) has not fallen over. You're supposed to fall over, put your arms in the air and show the referee you're mad about it... to me, his reaction is almost like: 'VAR, do your job'. But they've not done their job. He shouldn't have to make more of it - clearly, he shouldn't. Everyone can see that his arm is stretched, he (Timber) is holding him with a stretched-out arm. But you're supposed to make something of it."
Ex-Manchester United and England star Gary Neville said: "It's actually unnatural not to make more of it. When you get pulled and you're just about to score, you ordinarily complain like crazy. Its a very odd reaction from Isak."
Iraola admitted he would tell his players to go down more. He said: "It's a shame you ask me this question, but honestly, yes, we have to tell them, go down. Because they're not going to call it otherwise. And then referees complain why they go down."
Skipper Van Dijk said: "I think it was a clear penalty. I've seen it back and I've seen it being given. Today it wasn't meant to be. We have 50 cameras. Why does he have to complain when there are so many cameras? Everyone has seen it."
