Andoni Iraola has admitted he may tell Liverpool players to go down when fouled in the penalty area after Alexander Isak was denied a spot-kick during the 1-0 defeat by Arsenal at Anfield.
Isak appeared to be held back by Jurrien Timber as he tried to reach Bradley Barcola’s cross. Referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue, while VAR did not intervene.
Kai Havertz’s 16th-minute goal secured Arsenal’s first Premier League win at Anfield in 14 years, but the decision involving Isak became the main talking point after the match.
Iraola questions Isak penalty decision
Iraola said the Liverpool striker’s reluctance to go to ground may have counted against him, despite the shirt pull being visible.
“The Isak one is a clear penalty, they grab him, everyone see the shirt and probably because he doesn’t dive,” he said.
Asked whether the incident could alter his instructions to players in similar situations, Iraola replied: “It is a shame you ask me this question but honestly, yes, if you don’t go down but I think Alex is honest, everyone can see straight away it is a clear pull.”
He also answered “Yes, definitely” when asked whether he would tell his players to go down in future if they experienced comparable contact.
The decision was criticised by Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright and Daniel Sturridge, who all believed Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty. Captain Virgil van Dijk also questioned why Isak should have needed to exaggerate the contact when VAR had access to several camera angles.
Liverpool’s defeat cannot be attributed solely to the decision. They had 17 attempts but failed to register a shot on target, while Arsenal defended effectively after taking the lead.
However, Iraola’s comments highlighted the concern that attackers may feel encouraged to exaggerate contact if visible fouls are not punished unless the player goes to ground.
