'We have to tell them to dive': Iraola after Liverpool penalty snub
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola said it is a “shame” there is no reward for honesty after his side were controversially denied a penalty in a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
An official for Liverpool lamented that there is no benefit for being truthful after his team missed out on a penalty during a 1-0 loss to Arsenal in a Premier League match. Liverpool, the defending champions, took the lead and now occupy the top spot in the table with a nine-point advantage over Liverpool, who recently achieved their first victory at Anfield in 14 years.
The Swedish forward, Alexander Isak, was impeded by Jurrien Timber while attempting to connect with Bradley Barcola's cross mid-way through the first half. However, both the referee and VAR did not award a penalty kick. Timber might even have been dismissed for obstructing a clear goal-scoring opportunity without attempting to play the ball.
Iraola, who had only experienced two defeats since becoming Liverpool's manager, expressed his frustration, stating that they must tell the officials to grant the penalty as it should not depend on whether the player dived or not. Arsenal took the lead with Kai Havertz's goal, but Liverpool equalized with Florian Wirtz's free-kick and Alexis Mac Allister's header.
Iraola acknowledged his team's strong performance, particularly after being down to 10 men. He expressed optimism about Arsenal's prospects to retain the title, as they are currently leading the table, but the season is still in its early stages.
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