Liverpool denied penalty in win over Ipswich, says Hackett

Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty during their 2-0 win against Ipswich Town, according to former Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Keith Hackett.

The Reds achieved their first Premier League victory of the season when Alexander Isak netted twice within the first 10 minutes at Portman Road.

However, Hackett contends that the Reds were denied a 'nailed-on' penalty when Abdul Fatawu fouled Cody Gakpo in the box during the first half. “This is a nailed-on penalty kick decision,” he told Football Insider. “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.” This contentious decision follows Liverpool being penalised in a similar incident last weekend, when Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker was controversially deemed to have fouled Nico Williams during a 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.

Liam Delap's quick throw-in caught the Reds off guard, leading to the goalkeeper rushing out to Williams, who went down after lifting the ball over the Liverpool keeper and wide of the goal. Nonetheless, referee Sam Barrott awarded a penalty, which Morgan Gibbs-White converted.

Following the victory over Ipswich, Reds boss Andoni Iraola expressed his satisfaction, stating: “Yes, very pleased with the win, obviously. We needed this win and as well with the performance – especially [in the] first half we have been a very good team. We put a lot of pressure to the opposition and I think we started really strong in the game.

"I think that we learned, probably, the lessons from the last two games where we conceded early goals and today we didn't want this to happen, and we were really strong in the first half." On Isak, Iraola added: "Yes, with Alex, if he's fit, if he's available, if he's in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers. My demands with Alex will not be about the goals, probably.

"It will be about other things, I will demand other things so we can play well and if we play well, we are in good positions, the goals will come. I think he has to contribute to the collective and when everyone helps, I think after the goals and the other stuff will come."

Source: Daily Star