TalkSPORT hosts criticize VAR after missed Liverpool penalty at Arsenal
TalkSPORT presenters Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist called the VAR decision a “dereliction of duty” after a clear handball by Jurrien Timber was not penalised in Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak appeared to be impeded by Jurrien Timber in the 21st minute of the match at Anfield, prompting talkSPORT hosts Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist to condemn the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for not reviewing the incident. The play resulted in a cross from Bradley Barcola that led to Isak attempting a header, but Timber’s pull on his shirt prevented contact and the ball went wide.
Referee Andy Madley did not spot the infringement, and VAR did not intervene, citing the Premier League’s high threshold for overturning decisions. Arsenal later secured a 1-0 victory.
"Look, I don't blame the referee for not seeing it. There's no discussion over whether it was a penalty or not as it clearly should have been. It's a dereliction of duty from the VAR," Stelling said on talkSPORT Breakfast.
"I thought the referee had a good game, he can't see everything, and that's where he needs help from his VAR. ... Isak has clearly wanted to get a head on the ball, so he's doing everything he can to stay on his feet. Whether he falls down or not has nothing to do with whether it's a penalty because it's clearly a penalty," McCoist added.
Former Premier League referee Chris Foy explained that VAR would have acted only if the on-field referee had indicated a penalty. He noted that VAR does not review incidents in slow motion to avoid “re-refereeing” and that the tug appeared slight in real time, though it looked more serious in replay.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola and captain Virgil van Dijk expressed frustration after the match, with Iraola saying he would advise Isak to go down in similar situations in the future.