Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained why Liverpool were not awarded a penalty versus Arsenal for the altercation between Diogo Jota and Gabriel Magalhaes. The Gunners defender, who was in close proximity of the Reds forward, was seen handling the ball inside his own penalty area, denying the Reds forward from delivering a cross into the box.
Gabriel's arm appeared to be in an unnatural position as the ball struck his wrist. Michael Oliver, the on-field referee, decided against awarding Jurgen Klopp's side a penalty before the Video Assistant Referee officials, Darren England and Edward Stuart, quickly intervened.
In agreement with Oliver, VAR also decided against awarding the visitors a spot-kick. Speaking on Sky Sports, Gallagher admitted that he expected VAR to overturn the on-field referee's decision amid the handball incident.
READ MORE: FA set to review incident at Emirates Stadium during Arsenal's win over Liverpool
However, the former top-flight referee said that the reason why the penalty was given was because of the close proximity of Gabriel to Jota. Speaking of the incident, he said: "When I saw the replay of the Gabriel one, I anticipated the VAR would recommend a review.
"I think he only thought it was too close and if he didn’t recommend it, the referee can’t go to the screen," Gallagher added. "All I can think is the referee and the VAR referee thought it was too close in proximity.
"What we have seen this season, if the arm is out by in large it’s been penalised. When I saw it I expected VAR to overturn it but they felt it was too close that’s why it wasn’t given."
The Liverpool boss was left furious by the decision and vocalised his discontent when speaking to the press after the game. Klopp said: "They thought it was a clear not handball in the first half when Diogo put the ball on Gabriel’s arm, and we cannot change that. Our situation is difficult enough with injuries on top of that, but in a game like this, when decisions go against you it’s kind of typical but it doesn’t help. Now we have lost the game."
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