Arsenal have been given an explanation for the controversial decision not to award Liverpool a penalty after Jurrien Timber was accused of pulling Alexander Isak’s shirt during their Premier League meeting at Anfield on Sunday.

According to a report by Football London on Monday, November 2, 2026, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes the VAR officials faced a difficult situation when reviewing the incident, suggesting that overturning the referee’s original decision could have attracted accusations of interfering excessively with the game.

Mikel Arteta’s side secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Liverpool, with Kai Havertz scoring the only goal in the 16th minute. However, the result was followed by controversy after Liverpool appealed for a penalty when Timber appeared to pull Isak’s shirt as the striker attempted to reach a cross inside the Arsenal penalty area.

Referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue, while VAR official Stuart Attwell decided that the incident did not provide sufficient grounds to overturn the on-field decision.

Discussing the situation, Gallagher explained that the available camera angles made the incident difficult to judge, although he admitted that Timber had taken a considerable risk with his actions.

He pointed out that the initial camera angle, which reflected the referee’s view, did not clearly show the shirt pull. However, another angle available to the VAR officials presented a more convincing picture of the incident.

Gallagher also suggested that VAR could have faced criticism for effectively re-refereeing the match if it had recommended a penalty.

He said the officials were in a difficult position, regardless of which decision they made.

Nevertheless, the former referee admitted that Timber was fortunate to escape punishment, adding that repeated viewings had convinced him the Arsenal defender had taken a significant gamble.

Several football personalities also expressed disagreement with the decision.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright argued that Isak should not have needed to go to ground to make the officials recognise that his shirt had been pulled.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also criticised the decision, insisting that Timber’s actions prevented Isak, one of the Premier League’s leading goalscorers, from reaching the ball.

Tim Sherwood shared similar concerns, arguing that VAR should have advised the referee to review the incident on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Gallagher rejected Liverpool’s separate penalty appeal involving Cody Gakpo and Christos Tzolis, explaining that the ball had travelled too far for the forward to reach it.

The incident has added to the ongoing debate about VAR consistency and the interpretation of shirt-pulling offences in the Premier League.

Despite the controversy, Arsenal held on to their victory, with Havertz’s early strike proving decisive and helping Arteta’s side move to the top of the Premier League table.