Liverpool Penalty Denied: Panel Says VAR Should Have Intervened In Isak Incident

Isak appeals after Timber's shirt pull at Anfield

Denied at Anfield, vindicated after the fact the Premier League panel says Liverpool should have had a penalty for the pull on Alexander Isak, but the point is already gone.

Panel admits Liverpool were denied penalty in Arsenal defeat...

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has concluded that Alexander Isak should have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal.

The flashpoint came during Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield, when Jurrien Timber appeared to tug the back of the Swedish striker's shirt inside the box.

The tug from Timber left Isak unable to meet the cross, robbing him of a clear headed chance that could have brought Liverpool level.

Despite the contact, VAR Stuart Attwell chose not to send referee Andy Madley to the monitor, leaving the on-field decision to stand.

The panel was split on the process but clear on the outcome, voting 4-1 that a spot-kick should have been awarded, with a 3-2 majority adding that Attwell should have intervened.

Isak had refused to go down under the pull, a point Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola seized on afterwards, arguing that staying on his feet should not have cost his striker the penalty.

“There is a clear grab of the shirt. Alex was just in front of him. He was going to head in front of the goal, but couldn't because he grabbed the shirt. If he goes to the floor, they call the penalty, 100%. It should be like this, but it is what it is.

“Next time, the managers should tell Alex to go to the floor; otherwise, they won't call it. The answer is you have to dive. If you don't dive, they won't call it.”

"If he makes more of this it's a penalty" "It's clear and blatant" Daniel Sturridge, Ian Wright and Jamie Carragher share their thoughts on the Isak penalty claim 🔊 https://t.co/lLUXKFIYyN

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 1, 2026

It is the second time in quick succession that Liverpool have felt wronged in a big game, after Ryan Gravenberch's dismissal for two yellow cards against Manchester City at home was widely branded as extremely harsh by supporters and pundits alike.