Liverpool receive immediate verdict on controversial Arsenal penalty decision after VAR review
Liverpool were left frustrated after their penalty appeal against Arsenal was rejected during their Premier League meeting at Anfield, with VAR deciding not to overturn the referee’s original decision.
The incident happened in the first half when Cody Gakpo went down inside Arsenal’s penalty area following contact with Christos Tzolis. Liverpool players immediately appealed for a spot-kick, believing the Arsenal forward had committed a foul.
However, referee Andy Madley was not convinced and allowed play to continue. VAR subsequently reviewed the incident but agreed with the on-field decision, meaning Liverpool were denied the opportunity to level the score from the penalty spot.
Former Manchester United midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville quickly shared his thoughts on the incident.
Neville acknowledged that Tzolis had been clumsy in his challenge but questioned whether Gakpo would have reached the ball even without the contact.
He suggested that the Liverpool forward realised he was unlikely to get to the ball and went down, adding that there was not enough in the incident to justify awarding a penalty.
The decision frustrated Liverpool’s players and supporters, particularly with the Reds searching for a way back into the game after falling behind.
Arsenal eventually held on to secure a 1-0 victory at Anfield, with Kai Havertz scoring the decisive goal in the first half.
The result left Liverpool disappointed, while Arsenal celebrated an important away victory.
