The Premier League has issued a statement explaining why Fulham were denied a penalty in the early stages of their match against Liverpool at Craven Cottage.
The controversy centred on two incidents in the fifth minute of Sunday’s clash, which ultimately ended in a 3-2 victory for the home side.
Both incidents were reviewed by VAR, with officials standing by the on-field decision of referee Chris Kavanagh not to award a spot kick to Marco Silva’s men.
The incidents occurred after Andreas Pereira pressed high and dispossessed Ibrahima Konate inside the Liverpool penalty area.
Fulham were denied a penalty in the early stages of the match against Liverpool
Reuters
As Pereira attempted to square the ball to Rodrigo Muniz, Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher went to ground and made contact with the Fulham midfielder.
Moments later, Muniz collided with Virgil van Dijk, prompting strong appeals from the home side.
“Liverpool gets itself in a mess. But if you look at the collision between Pereira and Kelleher, the goalkeeper wipes him out,” said the former Reds defender.
“Pereira gets the pass away but Kelleher comes flying across. I don’t think there is a lot VVD can do and that is what VAR was looking at.
“But I think VAR has missed something there with Kelleher and Pereira. He doesn’t win the ball and takes the man.”
However, the Premier League has confirmed that both incidents were indeed reviewed by match officials.
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Marco Silva was furious after his side were not awarded a penalty
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A statement from the Premier League Match Centre on social media read: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Fulham following a challenge by Kelleher on Pereira was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed a coming together and not a reckless action.”
The statement continued: “The VAR also checked and cleared the incident between van Dijk and Muniz.”
This clarification directly contradicts Carragher’s on-air assessment of the situation.
Despite the early controversy, Fulham responded brilliantly after falling behind to Alexis Mac Allister’s thunderous 14th-minute strike.
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Fulham ultimately beat Liverpool 3-2
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Goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Muniz turned the game on its head in a scintillating 14-minute spell before the break.
Luis Diaz pulled one back for Liverpool in the second half, but Fulham held on for a famous 3-2 victory.
The result was only Liverpool’s second Premier League defeat all season.
Arne Slot’s men remain 11 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table, needing just 11 points from their final seven fixtures to secure the title.
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