An independent panel has reached a verdict following Liverpool's controversial defeat to Arsenal, where the Reds were denied what appeared a clear first-half penalty

An independent panel has ruled that Liverpool should have been given a penalty when Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt in Arsenal's victory at Anfield last month.

The Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel assesses refereeing incidents across every Premier League match and have unanimously voted 4 - 1 that referee Andy Madley should have awarded the Reds a spot kick, which could've changed the course of the game. The Gunners would secure a narrow 1-0 win, ending their long wait for a victory at Anfield.

The panel also voted 3:2 that VAR Stuart Attwell should have intervened and sent Madley to the pitchside monitor based on the fact it was a clear and obvious error.

Here are some more Liverpool headlines with a number of Andoni Iraola's players on international duty

Make sure you don't miss sport's biggest stories and breaking news by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources.

Reds in three-way Scott battle

Liverpool could face additional competition as they eye Alex Scott with Arsenal now reviving their interest in the Bournemouth star, who has been valued at £100m in the past. Chelsea are the other Premier League side eyeing the midfielder, who has now been recognised by England.

Several clubs were keen on Scott in the summer but the Cherries had made it clear he was not for sale. That stance has changed and the club are now prepared to listen to offers in light of Scott turning down a contract offer, which means he could be available for nothing soon enough.

Rio's Ballon d'Or dream

Liverpool's teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha has set his sights on winning the Ballon d'Or as he rubs shoulders with Harry Kane, the current holder, in England camp.

The 18-year-old has said that Kane is an inspiration for every young England player and hasn't shied away from admitting he would love to emulate the achievements of the Bayern Munich star.

England had to wait 25 years for a Ballon d'Or winner with Michael Owen the last man before Kane to claim the Golden Ball. He did so in 2001 when he was the leading light for Liverpool having come through the academy - and Ngumoha would love to add his name to the list.

Ngumoha said: “Yeah, 100%, Harry Kane winning the Ballon d'Or is definitely a big, big thing, being known as the best player in the world.

“It's also helped English football now because everyone's seen one of us win the Ballon d’Or, it is definitely encouraging many more people to wanting to definitely be known as the best player in the world. For me, I would like to achieve it and I think I can do it.”