Premier League release Arsenal vs Liverpool statement after Gabriel Martinelli VAR penalty check

VAR checked Ibrahima Konate's tackle on Gabriel Martinelli in the first half of Arsenal's crucial Premier League meeting with Liverpool - but did not consider the incident to be worthy of a penalty. It came after the Arsenal forward was brought down inside the box - sandwiched between two defenders.

Along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Konate crowded Martinelli as he attempted to keep the ball under control outside the six-yard area. Running through the Liverpool bodies, the Brazilian found himself on the floor shortly after, and their appeals were sounded.

Even though Konate appeared to bring down Martinelli, VAR didn't come to the conclusion that it needed to be overturned into a penalty. At Stockley Park, watching the game, were officials Michael Salisbury and Darren Cann.

The move led to Kai Havertz firing a shot over the bar after the ball bounced up following Konate's challenge. Arsenal players were left incensed that they hadn't been given a spot-kick, regardless of the chance.

Martinelli was left to complain to referee Anthony Taylor - while Leandro Trossard and Havertz both made animated gestures in asking for a foul. Premier League Match Centre - an official voice of VAR decisions on X (formerly Twitter) - explained the process online.

"The referee's call of no penalty for the challenge by Konate on Martinelli was checked and confirmed by VAR", it said, "deeming that Konate won the ball." The Frenchman appeared to fly through Martinelli, making contact with the Arsenal player, on his way to getting further contact on the ball.

READ MORE: Arsenal learn William Saliba red card update as referee makes Bournemouth VAR admission

READ MORE: Why Arsenal should ignore Gary Neville as Liverpool reality clear amid Mikel Arteta optimism

Arsenal wouldn't be unhappy at the call for long, however. Mikel Merino fired the Gunners ahead before half-time, heading in Declan Rice's cross from a free-kick. That put Arsenal back in front after Virgil van Dijk had earlier levelled the game following Bukayo Saka's early opener.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
UEFA Champions League
Watch Arsenal's Champions League games free

Prime Video is broadcasting one Champions League game every game week free for Amazon Prime members. Arsenal's upcoming fixtures include Shakhtar Donetsk on October 22, which is free for Prime members or those signing up for a 30-day free trial.

Every Champions League and Europa League game is also available on TNT Sports via Prime Video’s Discovery+ channel.

£0

Amazon
Get Amazon Prime here