PGMOL expert drops verdict on Liverpool-Brentford VAR controversy after ‘inspection of different camera angles’
Brentford were rightfully awarded a second-half penalty during their win over Liverpool at the Gtech Community Stadium.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that VAR came to the correct decision after checking a variety of camera angles.
Liverpool were beaten 3-2 by Brentford on Saturday (25 October) evening, a result which extends their losing run in the league to four games.
The Reds are now in real danger of surrendering their Premier League title, after romping to the championship last season.
Virgil van Dijk penalised by referee
Dango Ouattara opened the scoring for Brentford against Liverpool, slamming home after one of Michael Kayode’s trademark long throws.
Kevin Schade doubled the home side’s lead just before the break, before Milos Kerkez tapped home at the back post moments later to halve the deficit going into the second period.
Ten minutes after the break, Ouattara picked the ball up on the edge of the Liverpool box and was tripped by Van Dijk, with referee Tim Robinson giving a free kick right outside the area.
However, after a VAR review, it was determined that the foul had taken place inside the box, and a penalty was awarded.
Igor Thiago stepped up and converted the spot-kick, and Brentford were able to hang on and secure all three points.
Brentford awarded controversial penalty
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett believes that VAR got the decision spot on, with additional camera angles helping the officials come to the right decision.
He said: “The line itself in law is considered to be part of the penalty area.
“The inspection of different camera angles enabled VAR the opportunity to clarify if the foul had taken place inside the penalty area.
“It was a good application of VAR with a correct intervention.”
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