Virgil van Dijk has questioned the Liverpool penalty decision that went against his side during their 1-0 defeat by Arsenal at Anfield.
The incident occurred when Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak’s shirt as the Liverpool forward attempted to reach a dangerous delivery inside the penalty area. Referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue, while VAR official Stuart Attwell did not recommend a review.
Van Dijk said he believed the contact should have resulted in a spot-kick and rejected the suggestion that Isak needed to make more of the challenge to attract the officials’ attention.
Van Dijk questions Liverpool penalty decision
“I think it was also clear penalty. I’ve seen it back. I’ve seen it being given as well other occasions, but today wasn’t it wasn’t meant to be,” the Liverpool captain said after the match.
He also questioned why players should have to exaggerate contact when incidents can be viewed from multiple angles.
“Doesn’t notice it? There are 50 cameras, if there is not even more. Why do you have to complain when there’s so many cameras?” Van Dijk said. “It is spotted, isn’t it? Because everyone’s seen it. But yeah, in the end, obviously, it wasn’t given, and we lose the game, unfortunately.”
The defender admitted he shared the frustration of Liverpool supporters and was booked during the closing stages of the contest.
Despite the controversy, Liverpool’s attacking performance was also a concern. They registered 17 attempts but failed to record a shot on target, while Arsenal defended resolutely and Kai Havertz’s first-half goal proved decisive.
Van Dijk’s comments ensured the penalty decision remained a major talking point, but Liverpool must improve in front of goal after suffering a disappointing home defeat.
