'We have to tell them to go down': Iraola responds to Isak penalty denial for Liverpool

Liverpool manager Iraola criticised referee Andy Madley for denying Alexander Isak a penalty, claiming players must dive to get decisions.

Liverpool lost 1-0 to Arsenal at Anfield, with Kai Havertz scoring early after a poor clearance from goalkeeper Alisson. The match was overshadowed by two dismissed penalty claims.

The first incident saw Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber pull Alexander Isak's shirt as he attempted to reach a cross from Bradley Barcola, but referee Andy Madley waved away the appeal. The second penalty claim, a hold on Cody Gakpo by Christos Tzolis, was reviewed by VAR official Stuart Attwell and rejected.

Iraola expressed frustration at the decisions, particularly the Isak incident. "It's a shame you ask me this question but, honestly, yes, we have to tell them to go down because they're not going to call it otherwise," he said. "If you don't go down, you don't call it. I think Alex is honest. He tries to go for the ball, everyone can see live straight away there is a clear, clear pull." The, former Liverpool manager argued the decisions were inconsistent, suggesting the referee's reasoning for rejecting the Gakpo claim actually supported awarding the Isak penalty.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrated the victory, Arsenal's first at Anfield in 14 years, and praised his team's response after their Carabao Cup exit to Fleetwood midweek.