According to a report by Metro on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, The Premier League has admitted that Liverpool were wrongly denied a penalty during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield.

an independent review panel ruled that referee Andy Madley should have awarded Liverpool a spot-kick following an incident involving Alexander Isak and Jurrien Timber.

Arsenal secured their first victory at Anfield since 2012 through Kai Havertz’s first-half goal.

However, Liverpool were left frustrated after Isak was pulled back by Timber while attempting to connect with Bradley Barcola’s cross.

Madley allowed play to continue, while VAR official Stuart Attwell reviewed the incident and decided against recommending an on-field review.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola criticised the decision after the match, describing the shirt pull as a clear infringement.

He also suggested that players might have to go to ground more often to convince referees to award penalties.

The Premier League's Key Match Incident (KMI) Panel has now supported Liverpool's complaints after reviewing the incident.

Four of the five panel members voted that Madley should have awarded a penalty during the match.

Meanwhile, three members believed VAR should have intervened because the decision represented a clear and obvious error.

The panel explained that referees are expected to identify sustained holding offences that significantly affect an opponent's ability to compete for the ball.

It concluded that Timber's challenge met the required threshold for a holding offence and should have resulted in a penalty, both through the on-field decision and VAR intervention.

The admission represents further confirmation that Liverpool were disadvantaged by an incorrect refereeing decision during the encounter.

Liverpool have since responded positively to the defeat, recording a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend. Iraola's side currently occupy fourth position in the Premier League table, nine points behind leaders Arsenal.

The review does not change the result at Anfield, but it confirms that Liverpool should have received an opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot.