VIRGIL VAN DIJK QUESTIONS VAR DECISION IN LIVERPOOL DEFEAT TO ARSENAL

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk questioned the officiating after referee Andy Madley rejected two first-half penalty appeals during Arsenal's 1-0 win at Anfield. Kai Havertz scored the only goal to secure victory for Mikel Arteta's Premier League champions. Liverpool players claimed Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber pulled £125m striker Alexander Isak's shirt inside the penalty area. Isak attempted to reach a cross from Bradley Barcola when the contact occurred. Madley allowed play to continue, and VAR official Stuart Attwell decided against recommending a review.

Speaking after the match, Van Dijk stated that he had watched the replay and believed the challenge on Isak warranted a spot-kick. The defender rejected suggestions that players must exaggerate contact to convince officials, noting that at least 50 cameras cover the pitch. Van Dijk asked: "Why does he have to complain when there’s so many cameras?" He received a yellow card in the closing stages and said he shared the frustration of Liverpool supporters. The captain added that the decision went against his team and congratulated Arsenal.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola also questioned the officiating in his post-match interview and suggested Isak might have needed to dive to win the call. Iraola said: "There is a clear grab [of] the shirt." Gary Neville stated that he believed the challenge merited a penalty and noted that Isak made no appeal. Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher criticised the video officials, saying the pull stopped Isak from heading the ball seven yards out and calling on VAR to do its job.