Premier League release official statement after Liverpool vs Wolves controversy

Premier League release official statement after Liverpool vs Wolves controversy

Diogo Jota was initially awarded a penalty for Liverpool against Wolves at Anfield but the decision was correctly overturned following a VAR review

The Premier League have explained why the VAR said referee Simon Hooper should change his decision to award Liverpool a penalty in their game against Wolves at Anfield.

Emmanuel Agbadou had initially been penalised for an apparent foul on Jota as he shifted on to his right in the 57th minute.

But replays showed that the only contact came from the Portugal international clipping the Wolves defender’s torso with his foot, although Jota also avoided a yellow card for simulation as the video assistant referee duly said that the decision should be reversed.

And the Premier League’s match centre explained: “VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Liverpool for a challenge by Agbadou on Jota and deemed any contact was not initiated by Agbadou, therefore recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a drop ball.”

Pundit Stephen Warnock, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said of the incident: “I don’t think it’s a penalty. No penalty. The right decision. Liverpool fans will think it’s a clear penalty. I don’t think Simon Hooper needs to see another angle.”

Agbadou, meanwhile, had to be substituted after injuring himself while attempting to make the challenge.

Liverpool were two goals to the good at the time thanks to an early goal from Luis Diaz, while Mohamed Salah scored a 37th-minute penalty after Colombia international Diaz was fouled by Wolves stopper Jose Sa.