PGMOL Admits Error in Key Liverpool vs Arsenal Clash
Controversial Decision at Anfield
In a recent candid revelation, PGMOL chief Howard Webb has confirmed what Liverpool fans have long suspected: a missed penalty call in their Premier League fixture against Arsenal last month at Anfield. This acknowledgement comes as a significant admission, given the high stakes of the match for Liverpool, who were eyeing the top spot in the league standings.
Missed Opportunity for Liverpool
The Reds were held to a 1-1 draw, a result that halted their ascent to the Premier League summit just before Christmas. Mohamed Salah’s equaliser nullified Gabriel’s early goal for Arsenal, but the controversy centred around a penalty claim. Liverpool felt aggrieved when Martin Odegaard’s apparent handball in the box went unpunished, despite vehement protests.
VAR Decision Under Scrutiny
The incident saw Salah’s penetrating run into the box impeded by Odegaard’s hand. Referee Chris Kavanagh, guided by VAR official David Coote, decided against a penalty. Coote, operating from Stockley Park, did not advise a pitch-side review, deeming Odegaard’s action as unintentional, attributing it to a loss of balance on the Anfield surface.

Howard Webb’s Admission
However, Howard Webb, speaking on Mic’d Up, a Premier League program reviewing officiating decisions, conceded an error in judgment. He stated, “The referee on the field recognised that Odegaard had slipped and saw his arm go towards the ground… In this situation, though, there’s an important difference to a normal play that’s falling… He actually pulls his arm back in towards his body, which is when the ball makes contact with the arm.”
Webb highlighted a crucial factor overlooked during the game. Odegaard’s action, whether instinctive or deliberate, offered him an undue advantage, contradicting the initial interpretation by the VAR. Webb’s conclusion was unequivocal, aligning with the majority’s view that Liverpool deserved a penalty.
Significance of the Admission
This acknowledgment by Webb holds significant weight, as it not only validates Liverpool’s claim but also raises questions about VAR’s effectiveness in crucial match-deciding moments. For a team like Liverpool, competing at the highest level, such decisions can have far-reaching implications on their season’s trajectory.
Implications for Future Officiating
This incident serves as a critical learning point for PGMOL and VAR officials. It underscores the need for continual refinement in decision-making processes and highlights the importance of accuracy in officiating, especially in high-stakes matches involving top-tier teams like Liverpool and Arsenal.