Alexander Isak breaks silence on Liverpool penalty controversy vs Arsenal - 'I don't believe'

Isak says he shouldn't need to dive to win penalties after the Premier League's panel ruled Liverpool should have been awarded one against Arsenal.

Alexander Isak has broken his silence on the controversial penalty decision from Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield earlier this month. The Newcastle striker was pulled by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber while attempting to head a cross, but referee Andy Madley and VAR Stuart Attwell waved away the claim.

However, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel this week ruled a penalty should have been awarded and VAR should have sent the referee to review the incident.

When asked about the decision, Isak acknowledged it looked like a foul in retrospect but explained he was focused on scoring in the moment and didn't fully register the contact. "I could feel myself being pulled a bit, but not to the extent that it appears later on," he said.

Speaking to Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, Isak added that he doesn't believe players should need to dive or exaggerate to win penalties, especially with VAR in place to catch such incidents.