Alexander Isak heads the ball as Jurrien Timber pulls his shirt during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield View 2 ImagesIt has been ruled that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal.
(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has ruled that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal for a shirt pull on Alexander Isak. The striker appeared to be pulled back by Jurrien Timber as he went for the ball.
The on-field decision of no penalty was checked by VAR, but they agreed with the original call. The panel have now voted 4:1 that a penalty should have been awarded.The panel also voted 3:2 that VAR should have intervened in the decision. The two said that the “subjectivity in assessing impact” was why VAR were right not to get involved.
READ MORE: Andoni Iraola could soon get his wish as Liverpool wait for confirmation of big injury boostREAD MORE: I don’t agree with Dominik Szoboszlai decision – but his Liverpool team-mate has proved me wrongThe panellist who voted the incident as not a penalty outlined the “short-lived holding to lack clear impact on the ability of Isak to progress”
.Liverpool were 1-0 down at the time, thanks to Kai Havertz’s 16th-minute goal. That strike was the decisive one of the match.
Outlining the rules on holding, the Premier League clarified: “Referees will consider a number of factors when determining an offence, including whether a player is focused solely on an opponent rather than the ball, whether they make any attempt to play or challenge for the ball, if they are holding an opponent with both arms and if the holding is sustained or impactful to an opponent or their clothing.Liverpool Echo IconGet the latest Liverpool Echo breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time.
More infoJoin us on WhatsApp”In this instance the panel deemed that Timber’s challenge on Isak met the threshold for a holding offence and should have resulted in a penalty kick, both on-field and through VAR intervention.
“Speaking at full-time, Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola gave his view on the decision. “I think the Isak one is a clear penalty,” he said.”He’s going to head the ball in front of the goal, and they grab him where everyone sees the shirt.
Jurrien Timber can be seen clearly pulling the shirt of Alexander Isak in Liverpool’s loss to Arsenal View 2 ImagesJurrien Timber can be seen clearly pulling the shirt of Alexander Isak in Liverpool’s loss to ArsenalMake sure you never miss the latest Liverpool FC news and opinion by making Liverpool Echo one of your Google preferred sources.
“You don’t need a lot, just to avoid Alex, because the ball just goes in front of him, and I don’t see the reason why, probably because he doesn’t dive or he doesn’t go to the floor. It shouldn’t be a reason not to concede a penalty.”He added: “It’s not going to change anything if we talk to the PGMOL or not.
I think we have to wait now, I think it’s 10 days or 12 days until they give the resolution.“It’s going to be what it is and that’s it, accept it and let’s go for the next one, no? It’s not going to change.”POLLShould Liverpool hand Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker new contracts?
741+ Votes so farNEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker of Liverpool react during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St James’ Park on August 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker’s contracts both expire in 2027(Molly Darlington/Getty Images))Yes – without questionNo – it could be time to move onLike Van Dijk says, there’s no rushNextSky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was also shocked that it wasn’t given as a penalty.
“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,” he said.
Even Arsenal legend Ian Wright was in agreement, saying: “It’s obvious he’s pulled his 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’
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