{
  "id": 17696961,
  "title": "EPL: Players must go down to win penalties, says Iraola",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/epl-players-must-go-down-to-win-penalties-says-iraola",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-01T23:10:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/epl-players-must-go-down-to-win-penalties-says-iraola/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola has stated he will advise his players to go down during penalty appeals in the box following a controversial incident during their 1-0 loss to Arsenal. The incident occurred when Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt as the striker tried to head the ball. Isak remained on his feet despite the contact, and referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue. Video assistant referee (VAR) Stuart Attwell also reviewed the incident but decided against overturning the on-field decision. However, Iraola disagreed with the decision, arguing that Isak's attempt to stay on his feet cost Liverpool a penalty. Iraola suggested that managers should instruct players to dive to ensure the penalty is called, as he believes that not diving results in the penalty not being awarded. He praised Isak for attempting to play honestly but emphasized that players must go down to secure the penalty.",
  "summary": "Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola has said he will advise his players to go to ground when fouled in the penalty area, following Liverpool’s controversial penalty appeal during their 1-0 defeat by Arsenal on Sunday. Liverpool were denied a first-half penalty after Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak’s shirt as the striker attempted to get Read More:…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "I'll tell my players to dive in future - Iraola",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/ill-tell-my-players-to-dive-in-future-iraola",
        "published": "2026-11-01T21:00:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "I’ll tell my players to dive in future – Iraola",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/ill-tell-my-players-to-dive-in-future-iraola-17693878",
        "published": "2026-11-01T22:06:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}