Liverpool informed of major referee error vs Ipswich as Premier League told mistake made

Liverpool claimed their first Premier League win of the season against Ipswich Town on Friday night - but the Reds have been told they were on the wrong end of a decision

Liverpool have been told they should have been awarded a penalty during their win over Ipswich Town on Friday night. Alexander Isak’s brace inside the opening 10 minutes at Portman Road was enough to secure the Reds their first three points of the season.

But former Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Keith Hackett believes the Reds were denied a 'nailed-on' spot-kick when Abdul Fatawu took out Cody Gakpo inside the box during the first-half.

"This is a nailed-on penalty kick decision,” Hackett told Football Insider. “The Ipswich player is so late with his foul challenge that I cannot believe that the referee has not pointed to the penalty mark.

"I understand that the PROref organisation want to see less interference by VAR. However, this non-award of a penalty kick by the referee meets the criteria for a clear and obvious error. VAR should have intervened."

Reacting to the victory, Reds boss Andoni Iraola said: “Yes, very pleased with the win, obviously.

"We needed this win and as well with the performance – especially [in the] first half we have been a very good team. We put a lot of pressure to the opposition and I think we started really strong in the game.

"I think that we learned, probably, the lessons from the last two games where we conceded early goals and today we didn't want this to happen, and we were really strong in the first half.

On Isak, the Reds boss said: "Yes, with Alex, if he's fit, if he's available, if he's in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers. My demands with Alex will not be about the goals, probably.

"It will be about other things, I will demand other things so we can play well and if we play well, we are in good positions, the goals will come. I think he has to contribute to the collective and when everyone helps, I think after the goals and the other stuff will come."

While Isak said: : "Obviously we were waiting for the first win and we were talking about starting the game good, which we haven't done recently. That was perfect for us to get two quick goals.

"I think we're starting to get the way that we want to play and be offensive and attack the defence. I think we showed that today. We scored two and we could have scored more.

"It's still early. I think we still have a lot to learn and it's game by game at this point."

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