Iraola and Van Dijk fume over Isak penalty snub in Arsenal defeat
Liverpool's frustrating home defeat to Arsenal has been overshadowed by fury at a VAR decision not to award a penalty for a clear tug on Alexander Isak, with manager Andoni Iraola leading the chorus of complaints.
The Liverpool Echo explains that Liverpool thought they had won a spot-kick during the game, only for VAR and the referee to wave away their appeals, leaving the Anfield crowd stunned (Liverpool Echo). BBC Sport reports that Iraola was left "confused" after the final whistle, saying "everyone saw it" as he struggled to understand why Isak wasn't awarded a penalty despite being held back (BBC Sport).
According to Liverpool.com, Iraola pointed to Jurrien Timber as the culprit, agreeing with pundit Gary Neville that the striker was clearly dragged back inside the box and should have earned Liverpool a penalty (Liverpool.com). The same outlet reports that captain Virgil van Dijk was equally incensed, also referencing Neville's verdict as he made his frustration at the call known (Liverpool.com).
This Is Anfield and The Guardian both carry Iraola's striking response to the incident, with the manager seemingly resigned to the way the game is officiated now, saying "we have to tell them to go down" (This Is Anfield) (The Guardian). The Guardian adds further detail, noting Iraola complained there were in fact two separate penalty claims knocked back, and his pointed observation that "if you don't go down, you don't call it" - suggesting players may now have to exaggerate contact to get decisions given (The Guardian).
Sky Sports takes a wider view of the flashpoints from the game, listing the Isak non-penalty alongside a Madueke-Mac Allister incident as examples of VAR both working and failing on the same afternoon, underlining just how contentious the officiating was throughout (Sky Sports).
Across the reports, there's clear agreement that Liverpool felt hard done by, with the Isak incident the central sticking point for Iraola, Van Dijk and pundits alike. The frustration will sting for Liverpool fans, but attention now turns to European duty, with Iraola's side set to travel to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce in the Champions League.
Written with the help of AI, using the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.
