EPL: Panel confirms VAR error in Liverpool-Arsenal clash

A panel confirmed that a penalty should have been awarded to Liverpool during their Premier League match against Arsenal, following VAR error in the 21st minute of the game at Anfield, according to BBC Sport. Alexander Isak was pulled back by Jurrien Timber, who grabbed Isak's shirt while attempting to connect with a cross from Bradley Barcola.

Referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue and VAR Stuart Attwell reviewed the incident but did not recommend an on-field review. However, the Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel voted 4-1 and a 3-2 majority agreed that a penalty should have been given, and VAR should have intervened to send Madley to the pitchside monitor. The panel noted that the decision not to award a penalty was a clear and obvious error.

Arsenal had already scored a goal, making the match 1-0 in their favor, and the goal proved decisive as Arsenal secured all three points. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola criticized the decision, stating that Isak was prevented from making contact with the cross due to Timber's shirt pull. The KMI Panel also identified another VAR error in a Championship match between Ipswich Town and Hull City on October 31, where Ipswich should have been awarded a penalty for Nobel Mendy holding back Dara O'Shea during a corner-kick situation.