VAR overturned a penalty awarded to Liverpool during Saturday's Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Anfield, with Mike Dean issuing an instant verdict
Mohamed Salah rolls on the pitch
VAR overturned the penalty decision(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
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Mike Dean has confirmed that VAR was correct to overturn Liverpool's penalty during the first-half of their fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Mohamed Salah appeared to have been brought down by Brennan Johnson inside the Palace area just 23 minutes into the clash, with referee Andy Madley immediately awarding the spot-kick.
Yet VAR quickly stepped in after reviewing the incident, with Neil Davies prompting the official to consult the pitch-side monitor for another look. While Madley examined the screen, Sky Sports Soccer Saturday pundits were swift to offer their assessment for viewers tuning in at home.
Tim Sherwood, outlining the situation, said: "It's a breakaway from Mo Salah, he bursts forward, I don't think it should be given. Brennan Johnson is adamant there is no contact with Mo Salah, if he does it's outside the box.
"I think he's dived, Johnson makes a dive and Salah goes over, he jumps straight over. Soon as he hits the floor, he's straight up Mo Salah."
Former referee Dean also said: "I don't think it's a penalty kick. I think Johnson's gone in to win the ball, Salah's knocked it past him, Johnson's got a touch on the ball, it's then hit Salah.
"I don't think Salah's even looking for a penalty, I just think he's lost his balance and gone down. So for me it shouldn't be a penalty kick - and if anything it's probably just outside as well."
Madley ultimately reversed his decision, awarding a drop ball for Dean Henderson to collect, while the Premier League Match Centre released a statement on X which read: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Liverpool.
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"Referee announcement: 'After review, Crystal Palace number 11 gets a touch on the ball. My final decision is a drop ball to the goalkeeper - no penalty.'"
Liverpool eventually took a 1-0 lead at Anfield through open play, with Alexander Isak finding the net 35 minutes into the contest. Andy Robertson then doubled the advantage five minutes later, driving the ball hard and low past Henderson from close range.
Isak has been thrust into leading the attack for the Reds immediately upon returning from a leg fracture, following Hugo Ekitike's recent injury setback.
Mohamed Salah looks dejected
Mohamed Salah saw a penalty overturned on Saturday(Image: PA)
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Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon during last week's Champions League quarter-final clash against PSG, and now faces a potential nine-month spell on the sidelines as a consequence.
For the time being, Isak remains the first team's only recognised centre-forward, though Arne Slot does have the option of deploying Cody Gakpo through the middle, as he has done on a number of occasions throughout the season.
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