Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat vs Arsenal was marred by a controversial penalty call involving Alexander Isak.
While going for a header, the Swede’s shirt was clearly pulled by Jurrien Timber, due to which he failed to make contact with the ball.
Isak didn’t make much of the situation, but after the game, Andoni Iraola and Virgil van Dijk slammed the VAR for failing to spot the foul.
In fact, Peter Schmeichel and Freddie Ljungberg also felt Liverpool should have had a penalty.
And now, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has revealed that Timber was lucky to get away with it.
Liverpool should have had a penalty vs Arsenal
“It depends which angle you watch it from,” said Gallagher via Liverpool Echo.
“The first angle, you see nothing. That is the referee’s angle. The second angle, which is what VAR looks at, and it is a lot more damning.
“VAR looks at it in slow motion, which is another thing against him. In normal speed, he grabs and grabs him quickly, but let’s go.
“Does he do enough [for a penalty]? What is Timber’s intention? He is on the wrong side of him. Does he do enough to stop him? He [Isak] will say yes, as he is close to the ball.
“VAR would be accused of re-refereeing if it is a penalty. It is a case of damned if they do and damned if they don’t. It has to be the case on the field.
“The more I watch it, the more I think he [Timber] has taken a big chance and has got lucky.”
Honestly, the inconsistent refereeing in the Premier League has been an absolute farce over the years, so this is just another decision that is going to get added to the list.
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