‘Do your job’ – Jamie Carragher was furious over controversial moment from Liverpool defeat
· Yahoo Sports
Jamie Carragher was left infuriated by one controversial moment in Liverpool’s defeat at home to Arsenal on Sunday.
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Shortly after Kai Havertz scored what proved to be the winning goal, Alexander Isak has his shirt clearly tugged by Jurrien Timber when trying to get on the end of a cross from Bradley Barcola, but neither the referee nor anyone on VAR felt compelled to intervene.
Although the Swedish striker turned to exchange a few words with the Gunners defender, it seemed surprising that he didn’t scream at Andy Madley for the penalty that he should’ve been awarded.
Carragher: VAR asleep at the wheel over penalty shout
That incident was inevitably a huge talking point after the game, and Carragher took aim at the officials for not taking any action over what seemed a blatant spot kick.
The former Liverpool defender raged on Sky Sports: “One of the best goalscorers in the league is pulled back seven yards out and it stops him heading the ball – why does he need to make a meal of it? VAR, do your job.”
Daniel Sturridge aired similar sentiments by saying: “You’re supposed to fall over, put your arms in the air and show the referee you’re mad about it… to me, his reaction is almost like ‘VAR, do your job’.
“They’ve not done their job. He shouldn’t have to make more of it – clearly, he shouldn’t. Everyone can see that his arm is stretched. [Timber] is holding him with an outstretched arm.”
Image via Sky Sports
Even a staunch Arsenal man in Ian Wright concurred as he said: “He shouldn’t have to make more of it. We can see it… Unless I’m pulled back, I’m going to head it as much as I can. When he [Timber] pulled him, it was just about enough as he would need to go down.
“VAR is wrong in this instance. If they gave that penalty, I wouldn’t sit here and say ‘I can’t believe they gave that’.”
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Another official shambles which has cost Liverpool
Another high-profile Premier League game, another unjustifiable cock-up by the officials.
Just as Liverpool were messed about by Ryan Gravenberch’s incredibly harsh red card against Manchester City – a game-changing moment as all three City goals came after his dismissal – they’ll also feel that the lack of action by the officials yesterday was potentially a defining moment.
Carragher is right – why was Stuart Attwell on VAR asleep at the wheel over the Timber/Isak penalty incident? Whatever about the on-field officials not spotting it, those in Stanley Park couldn’t have asked for a clearer decision to make.
The whole reason we have this controversial tool in football nowadays is to correct clear and obvious errors by the referee. This is a textbook example of where VAR should intervene, so why on Earth did they look at that and not feel that a spot kick was warranted?
Isak shouldn’t have to scream for a penalty, either – the onus is on the officials to do what they’re employed to do and ensure that such obvious fouls are punished.
We look forward to hearing what nonsense Pro Ref chief executive Howard Webb will spout to feebly try and explain away a potentially game-changing shambles from the referees that he’s overseeing.