Iraola fumes over denied Isak penalty in Liverpool's first Anfield loss to Arsenal since 2012

Andoni Iraola has accused referees of rewarding simulation after Alexander Isak was denied a penalty despite being pulled back by Jurrien Timber in Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday — the club’s first home loss to the Gunners since 2012.

Kai Havertz’s early goal proved the only difference between the sides, but Liverpool were left incensed after referee Andy Madley waved away two penalty appeals in the first half. The more contentious incident saw Timber grab Isak’s shirt as the striker moved to meet a cross in the box, with Isak himself not going to ground or appealing for the spot-kick.

“There is a clear grab of the shirt,” Iraola told BBC Sport. “Alex was just in front of him, he was going to head in front of the goal but couldn’t because he had the shirt. I don’t understand why they didn’t call it, probably because he has not gone to the floor.”

The Liverpool manager was unsparing in his assessment of what the incident demands of players. “You have to dive — if you don’t dive they won’t call it,” he said, before elaborating that he would now actively encourage Isak to go down in similar situations.

“That’s the problem we have with the game,” Iraola added. “Because he doesn’t dive and go to the floor. If he goes to the floor, they call the penalty 100 percent. Next time, the managers should tell Alex to go to the floor, otherwise they won’t call it.”

A second appeal, from Cody Gakpo after a challenge from Christos Tzolis, was also dismissed — though Iraola himself conceded that one was less convincing.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk backed his manager’s frustration, calling the Isak incident a “clear penalty”. “I’ve seen it back and I’ve seen it being given. Today it wasn’t meant to be,” van Dijk said. “We have 50 cameras. Why does he have to complain when there are so many cameras? Everyone has seen it. In the end it wasn’t given and we lose the game unfortunately, so well done to Arsenal.”

The defeat is a significant blow to Liverpool’s season, ending their unbeaten home record against Arsenal that had stood for over a decade and handing the visitors three points at one of the Premier League’s most demanding venues.