Andoni Iraola reacts to Liverpool's penalty claim against Arsenal

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has expressed his frustration after his side were denied a penalty during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Iraola believes Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty after Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt inside the penalty area as the striker attempted to reach a cross. However, referee Andy Madley did not award a spot-kick, leaving Liverpool frustrated.

Speaking after the match, Iraola described the incident as a clear penalty and questioned why the referee did not intervene. He suggested that Isak's decision to remain on his feet rather than go to ground may have influenced the decision.

The Liverpool boss also criticised the situation in football where players sometimes feel they must exaggerate contact to win penalties. He admitted that he might have to advise Isak to go to ground in similar situations in the future.

He said,

“Next time, the managers should tell the players to go to the floor otherwise they won't call it. The fact that you are even asking me if Isak should go to the floor. if he goes to the floor, they call the penalty 100%. It should be like this but it is what it is”.

Iraola said he believed the shirt pull was obvious and that Isak had been prevented from reaching the ball in a dangerous position. He also acknowledged that Liverpool's other penalty appeal involving Cody Gakpo was less convincing because the ball appeared to be beyond the forward's reach.

The result gave Arsenal their first Premier League victory at Anfield since 2012 and strengthened their position at the top of the table.

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