Andy Madley and VAR should take credit – they got major Anfield calls right | Chris Foy

Timber’s shirt pull on Isak was not a penalty on review, and Madueke’s clash with Mac Allister was clearly not violent conduct There was one incident that got everyone talking at the weekend, and that was the decision not to award Liverpool a penalty in their match against Arsena

Timber’s shirt pull on Isak was not a penalty on review, and Madueke’s clash with Mac Allister was clearly not violent conduct There was one incident that got everyone talking at the weekend, and that was the decision not to award Liverpool a penalty in their match against Arsenal after Alexander Isak had his shirt pulled by Jurriën Timber as he tried to get his head to a Bradley Barcola cross. The on-field decision from the referee, Andy Madley, was no penalty and it was a call backed by the video assistant referee, Stuart Attwell. After the match the Liverpool head coach, Andoni Iraola, said there had been a “clear, clear pull” and when the footage is slowed down or freeze‑framed, that looks to be true.

But at full speed, the contact appears minimal and not sustained: Timber is using one hand and tugs briefly on the shirt, and the impact on Isak’s movement is arguable. Continue reading...