To dive or not to dive? Football's big dilemma
Summary
The article examines why VAR did not award Liverpool a penalty after Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber grabbed Alexander Isak’s shirt during a 1-0 match. It says shirt-pulling is judged by whether it impedes an opponent, and argues that Isak’s lack of reaction may have influenced the decision while the incident did not meet the threshold for VAR intervention.Key Facts
- Bradley Barcola crossed the ball into Arsenal’s penalty area, but Alexander Isak did not reach it.
- Replays showed Jurrien Timber holding Isak’s shirt.
- Referee Andy Madley did not award a penalty, and VAR official Stuart Attwell did not recommend a review.
- Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said players may need to go to ground to get such decisions.
- In a February match between Sunderland and Fulham, VAR identified a shirt pull on Calvin Bassey and the referee awarded a penalty after reviewing it.
- Football’s laws define holding as contact that impedes an opponent’s movement.
- Former assistant referee Darren Cann said the decision depended on whether the hold was sustained and noted that Isak did not appeal.
- The article says the hold appeared more fleeting at full speed and may have fallen below the threshold for VAR intervention.
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