Liverpool NewsWhy Liverpool conceded penalty against Brentford as controversial VAR intervention explained

The reason Liverpool conceded a penalty against Brentford has been clarified following a controversial VAR intervention.

The reason Liverpool conceded a penalty against Brentford has been clarified following a controversial VAR intervention.

Liverpool is currently facing a challenging situation with three consecutive defeats in the Premier League, and they have a significant challenge ahead at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Liverpool found themselves in a difficult position against Brentford after Virgil van Dijk gave away a penalty.

The Reds were trailing 2-1 after conceding two goals from Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade, but Milos Kerkez managed to score one back during first-half stoppage time.

Things worsened when Ouattara maneuvered away from the Liverpool box and was brought down by Van Dijk. Initially, referee Tim Robinson ruled it a free-kick, but after a VAR review, he was directed to award a penalty instead.

In communication with the stadium, Robinson stated: “After review, the challenge by Liverpool No.4 is on the line. My final decision is penalty.”

The official Premier League Match Centre account on X (formerly Twitter) reported: “56’ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of free-kick to Brentford.”

Igor Thiago confidently converted the penalty, smoothly placing the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili to net his seventh goal of the season.

Earlier in the first half, Arne Slot’s team had a penalty appeal dismissed when Cody Gakpo fell in the Brentford box.

TNT Sports analysts Joe Cole and Steve McManaman both concurred that the correct decision was made on the pitch.

“No, he goes down too easily,” remarked former Chelsea midfielder Cole. “He doesn’t quite reach the ball, he goes down too easily. He’s anticipating the contact – I believe it’s the right call.”

On the other hand, Reds legend McManaman commented: “Yes, I think so. As he extends his leg, he doesn’t step on his foot and he collapses before any contact occurs. I support the referee’s decision.”

Currently, Liverpool is nearing a fourth straight defeat in the Premier League, having suffered losses against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Manchester United. They are set to compete against Palace (Carabao Cup), Aston Villa (Premier League), and Real Madrid (Champions League) in three upcoming home matches.