Next Time, Go To Ground: Liverpool Manager Blasts Referees Over Denied Penalty

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has said he would advise striker Alexander Isak to go to ground in similar situations after his side were denied a penalty during their defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, November 1.

The controversy occurred in the first half, with Liverpool trailing 1-0 following Kai Havertz’s opening goal. Isak appeared to have his shirt pulled by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber while attempting to reach a header from Bradley Barcola’s cross.

However, the Swedish striker remained on his feet, prompting referee Andy Madley to allow play to continue without awarding a penalty. Video Assistant Referee Stuart Attwell subsequently reviewed the incident but upheld the on-field decision, ruling that the contact was insufficient to warrant overturning it.

Iraola disagreed with the officials, insisting that Timber’s shirt pull prevented Isak from reaching the ball and potentially creating a goalscoring opportunity.

Speaking after the match, the Liverpool manager argued that the incident should have resulted in a penalty, suggesting that Isak might have received a different decision had he gone to ground.

He maintained that the striker had made an honest attempt to reach the ball rather than exaggerating the contact.

When asked by Sky Sports whether he would instruct Isak to fall in similar circumstances in future, Iraola responded in the affirmative, saying he would encourage the forward to do so.

The manager also expressed frustration over what he described as inconsistency in refereeing decisions, arguing that players who remain on their feet despite being fouled risk missing out on penalty awards.

According to Iraola, officials often complain about players going to ground too easily, yet decisions such as the one involving Isak create an incentive for footballers to do so.

He further suggested that an apology from Pro Ref, the Premier League’s refereeing body, would do little to change the outcome or address his concerns.

Liverpool also had another penalty appeal rejected during the encounter after Cody Gakpo went down inside Arsenal’s penalty area under pressure from Christos Tzolis.

The incidents have renewed debate over refereeing consistency in the Premier League, particularly regarding shirt-pulling, physical contact and the threshold officials use when deciding whether to award penalties.