Ex-Uefa official: Liverpool victims of ‘very harsh’ decision as controversial Thiago Alcantara footage emerges
The decision to award Arsenal a penalty in their 3-2 win over Liverpool was “very harsh”, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Uefa and Premier League referee admitted the law supported Michael Oliver’s interpretation of Thiago Alcantara’s challenge on Gabriel Jesus.
Thiago appeared to tap Jesus’ ankle in the Liverpool penalty area and Oliver immediately pointed to the spot.
Bukayo Saka converted from the spot to put his side 3-2 up and secure the three points for Arsenal.
“I think it’s difficult because Oliver is in a good position,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I have to say, when I first saw this, in normal time, I’m not giving that penalty kick because it’s really harsh. I’m not giving it.
“But when I see it in replay you suddenly go, yes, there’s a foul but are we actually trying to justify the award of the penalty?
“For me, this is a very harsh call by Michael Oliver.
“Has that player gone in to foul his opponent? I don’t think so, he’s gone in with the intention of clearing the ball.
“Yes, the law supports Michael Oliver’s penalty kick award because he’s determined it as a foul.
“VAR cannot come in because it’s not clear and obvious.
“If the referee points to the penalty mark then he’s saying that’s a foul.
“What is in front of the VAR doesn’t clarify, it doesn’t say ‘This is not a penalty kcik’.
“It’s the referee’s interpretation. Given what we’ve seen in this game, I think it was very harsh. Correct but harsh really.”
In other news, a finance guru has revealed Liverpool are being held to ransom as an “English tax” is analysed.