Alisson gave away a penalty to gift Manchester City the win over Liverpool at the weekend
Man City were gifted their lead in the match after Alisson took out an on-rushing Matheus Nunes and saw the spot-kick given against him. The Brazilian failed to make contact with the ball and VAR ruled in favour of the penalty, which Erling Haaland dispatched.
While fans, pundits and former referees have agreed with the decision, it has also highlighted more controversial calls earlier in the season.
Liverpool denied penalty against Arsenal
While the majority of the world are in agreement over Alisson’s foul on Nunes, fewer could settle on a decision when Leandro Trossard was checked for a foul on Florian Wirtz last month.
Liverpool and Arsenal settled for a goalless draw but many believe the Reds should have been awarded a spot-kick after an incident with Trossard and Wirtz inside the box. The Arsenal winger stepped across Wirtz and appeared to barge into him to step him progressing further. The German then went down but referee Anthony Taylor waved away the penalty appeals and VAR opted not to intervene.
Jay Bothroyd also admitted on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch that he was ‘surprised’ Liverpool were not awarded the penalty following Trossard’s challenge.
“I was surprised this wasn't given. Wirtz showed great skill. The thing that saves Trossard is Wirtz' touch is heavy and it almost goes off the pitch,” Bothroyd said.
Fans were naturally frustrated with the call and club icon Daniel Sturridge agreed with them by admitting on Sky Sports he believed it should have been a penalty for Liverpool.
The inconsistency of PGMOL decisions continues to be an ongoing gripe among fans and professionals alike this season, especially when they could potentially shape the outcome of a match. Liverpool supporters clearly feel robbed as they compared the denied Wirtz opportunity to others.
Wirtz was not given a penalty as he was not judged to be in control of the ball so how could Nunes be in control of a ball heading out of play. More questions than answers from another shocking weekend of inconsistency.
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