Image Credits: Imago Images
The Premier League Key Match Incidents Panel has given its verdict on three controversial incidents from Liverpool’s goalless draw against Fulham.
The first incident came after 11 minutes when Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker collided with Fulham forward Josh King.
No penalty was awarded, with four of the five KMI panel members backing the on-field decision. All five agreed that VAR was correct not to intervene.
The reasoning given was: “The panel supported the referee’s call of no penalty, 4:1. Alisson committed to a challenge which was then hurdled by King following completion of his action to pass the ball; so the lack of contact made it difficult to award a penalty.”
The second incident occurred shortly after the hour mark when Liverpool appealed for a penalty after the ball struck Antonee Robinson.
The panel unanimously agreed that the defender’s arm was in a natural position and that no penalty or VAR intervention was required.
The panel stated: “The referee’s call of no penalty for a potential handball offence against Robinson was supported with his arms in an expected position.”
The final incident involved Alexis Mac Allister, who went down under a challenge from Fulham defender Calvin Bassey.
All five panel members agreed with the referee’s decision not to award a penalty and supported the lack of VAR intervention. There was no information on whether the panel considered Mac Allister’s actions worthy of a booking for simulation.
The panel commented: “The referee’s call of no penalty was supported with no contact made by Bassey on Mac Allister who fell to ground.”
Liverpool head into the September and October international break unbeaten after five Premier League matches this season.
With nine points from a possible 15, alongside Champions League and Carabao Cup wins at Anfield, Andoni Iraola has made a positive start to life at Liverpool.
The 44-year-old is the first Liverpool manager to remain unbeaten in his opening five league games, winning two and drawing three, since Joe Fagan in September 1983.
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