Iraola says players should go down after Liverpool penalty appeal

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said he would advise players to go to ground in similar situations after his team lost 1-0 to Arsenal, arguing that Alexander Isak’s decision to stay upright contributed to a penalty appeal being rejected. Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber pulled Isak’s shirt as the Liverpool forward tried to reach a cross from Bradley Barcola during the first half at Anfield. Referee Andy Madley did not award a penalty, and video assistant referee Stuart Attwell did not overturn the decision. Isak remained on his feet and did not appeal to the referee. Iraola said after the match that the contact was a clear shirt pull and that Isak had been prevented from reaching the ball. He said he would tell players to go down in comparable situations, while also describing Isak as honest for continuing to try to play the ball. Iraola’s view that going to ground would have secured a penalty was his assessment, not an official explanation of the decision. The match ended 1-0, with Kai Havertz scoring Arsenal’s only goal. Liverpool also had a penalty appeal involving Cody Gakpo turned down. Iraola said he understood the argument against that claim because the ball was too far...