Ex-PGMOL chief slams VAR after analysing Liverpool penalty controversy – ‘I can't believe it…’

Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty in their 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Friday.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the challenge from Abdul Fatawu on Cody Gakpo was a “nailed-on” spot-kick, and VAR should have intervened.

It was a great day for Liverpool at Andoni Iraola as Alexander Isak scored twice inside the first nine minutes to ensure the club picked up its first Premier League victory of the season.

However, it could have been a lot better when Fatawu slid in on Gakpo from behind, without getting the ball.

Darren England did not award a penalty for the challenge, and VAR did not advise the referee to review the decision.

Looking back at the footage, Hackett was astonished that the officials got this wrong, and slammed VAR for not intervening.

Keith Hackett: Liverpool should have had a nailed-on penalty vs Ipswich Town

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett explained why he believed Liverpool should have had a penalty in their victory against Ipswich Town.

He said: “This is a nailed-on penalty kick decision. The Ipswich player is so late with his foul challenge that I cannot believe that the referee has not pointed to the penalty mark.

“I understand that the PROref organisation want to see less interference by VAR.

“However, this non-award of a penalty kick by the referee meets the criteria for a clear and obvious error.

“VAR should have intervened.”

Did Liverpool deserve to beat Ipswich?

As comfortable as Liverpool were at Portman Road on Friday, the stats indicate that it was far from a dominant performance from the visitors.

The Reds had 55 per cent possession, 10 shots, seven of which were on target, a 0.69 xG, 20 touches in the opposition’s box and zero big chances.

In comparison, Ipswich had 45 per cent possession, 14 shots, five of which were on target, 16 touches in the opposition box, and zero big chances.

Therefore, against a tougher opponent, Liverpool will have to be better, or they risk not taking all three points.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the Reds can get some momentum from this result now, before the international break.