The former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes the VAR should have recommended an on-field review for a potential penalty after Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to push over James Maddison during Liverpool’s 6-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Alexander-Arnold made contact with Maddison on the edge of the penalty area after extending his right arm into the opposition player’s back while facing the byline.
That caused the Spurs player to fall over before the ball rolled out of play for a Liverpool goal kick. Gary Neville, co-commentating on the match for Sky Sports, believed the Reds vice-captain “took a little bit of a chance”.
He called the push “clumsy,” claiming there was “no need to do it”. Mike Dean, though, disagreed.
Sky ‘s refereeing expert explained: “Not enough [contact], really. I think he’s felt him in his back and down quite easily.” Hackett, however, felt there was something in the incident.
“It was a clear push with Trent’s right arm extending away from his body,” he told Tottenham News. “It may well have resulted in a penalty kick.
Hackett explained: “VAR will have other camera angles available. I would have liked VAR [Paul Tierney and his assistant Sian Massey-Ellis] to have given referee Sam Barrott, who is having a terrific season, [a chance] to visit the [pitchside] monitor.”
Also, on Monday, fellow former referee Dermot Gallagher agreed with Dean. Speaking on Sky Sports News during Ref Watch, he said: “I think [it’s] body strength. But is it a penalty? Not for me.”
Pundit on the programme Sue Smith also shared that view, adding: “I don’t think there’s enough in it, and, again, I don’t think Maddison even appeals for it.” Stephen Warnock also did not raise any differences of opinion during that segment before they moved on to other incidents in the show.
