PGMOL Clarifies Decision On Penalty Appeal In Arsenal-Liverpool Clash

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has shed light on why a penalty was not given to Liverpool in their recent match against Arsenal, explaining Martin Odegaard’s incident in the penalty box.

During the game, Gunners’ captain Martin Odegaard was seen in a situation where it appeared he had grabbed the ball while falling in the penalty area. Sky Sports reported that the PGMOL explained the decision not to award a penalty, stating that “Odegaard’s arm was moving towards his body, not the ball, as he went down.”

Referee Chris Kavanagh opted to let play continue following the incident, and VAR official David Coote reviewed the situation. Coote ultimately supported Kavanagh’s decision, concurring with the on-field call not to award a penalty.

The match witnessed Arsenal taking an early lead courtesy of Gabriel, only to be equalized by Mohamed Salah’s goal for the hosts, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

The PGMOL’s explanation provides insight into the decision-making process behind the non-award of the penalty, citing Odegaard’s arm movement away from the ball as a key factor in their assessment. As the debate over pivotal moments in matches continues, the clarification aims to address the controversy surrounding the incident and the impact of VAR in match officiating.