A former Liverpool star has taken aim at Michael Oliver over the controversy surrounding the Reds' defeat to Arsenal, despite the referee having no involvement in the game

Former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant has hit out at Michael Oliver over the controversy in the Reds’ defeat to Arsenal - despite the referee not being involved in the game at all.

Liverpool suffered its second loss of the season as it fell to a 1-0 defeat on Sunday, with Arsenal claiming its first win at Anfield since 2012. Kai Havertz’s first-half goal proved to be the difference, although Andoni Iraola’s side will feel it deserved more.

The hosts were denied a penalty when Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak’s shirt back as the striker looked to connect with a header from Bradley Barcola’s cross. Despite television replays picking up the incident, VAR Stuart Atwell refrained from getting involved.

There were also calls for Arsenal to be reduced to ten men during the second half when Noni Madueke clashed with Alexis Mac Allister, with the Liverpool midfielder going down clutching his face after the pair went head-to-head. Madueke was already on a yellow card at the time, but referee Andy Madley did not dole out any further punishment to the winger.

The incidents led to a furious Pennant, who played for both Liverpool and Arsenal during his career, to take to social media to vent his anger - although the former winger aimed his ire at the wrong person.

“Micheal Oliver on VAR, he should not be anywhere near a Liverpool game, this can not go on he’s an absolute disgrace,” Pennant posted on X.

“How a conversation regarding Isaks [sic] pull from Timber is not had, is beyond me…. Head butt on Macca, you can’t do that when on a yellow card already, I swear to god if I ever see him in person I’m going to tell him to his face, you should not be allowed to officiate Liverpool in any capacity.”

Pennant’s post has since had a community note added to it, pointing out that Oliver had not been involved in any capacity in the game.

Despite his mistake, Pennant took to social media again later on Sunday to vent his frustration, this time without naming any specific officials.

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“Can’t wait for the Pgmol apology….. how many times do they send out apologies, it’s becoming a joke, how can you still be getting these sort of decisions wrong?

“When the whole nation and probably world come to the same decision (penalty) but the people who are hired and so called professionals in that field get it so wrong….. it’s either on purpose or simply not qualified and should not be sitting in that position to make important calls. There is no grey area here it’s blatant.”

The decision not to award Liverpool a penalty for Timber’s tug on Isak’s shirt has led to a debate around the striker’s reaction, with Reds captain Virgil van Dijk insisting that he shouldn't have needed to go down in order for VAR to intervene.

"I think it was a clear penalty. I've seen it back and I've seen it being given. Today it wasn't meant to be.

"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."