{
  "id": 17700232,
  "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-17700232",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-01T23:30:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/epl-players-must-go-down-to-win-penalties-says-iraola/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola has advised his players to go down when fouled in the penalty area following a controversial penalty appeal during their 1-0 defeat against Arsenal. Liverpool was denied a first-half penalty after Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak's shirt while the striker was attempting to get on the end of a cross. Despite the contact, Isak remained on his feet and the referee allowed play to continue. Video assistant referee (VAR) Stuart Attwell later reviewed the incident but decided there was insufficient contact to overturn the on-field decision. Iraola disagreed with the decision and stated that Isak's attempt to stay upright cost Liverpool a penalty. He explained that if Isak had gone to the floor, the referee would have called the penalty. Iraola also advised Isak to dive in similar situations in the future to ensure the referee calls the penalty. The coach expressed frustration with the inconsistency in officiating and the disadvantage players face when they choose to remain on their feet during such situations.",
  "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."
}