I'll tell my players to dive in future - Iraola

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Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · BBC Sport ↗

Andoni Iraola stated that he will instruct his players to dive in future, following a denied penalty claim in Liverpool's defeat by Arsenal, as reported by BBC Sport. The incident involved Alexander Isak's shirt being pulled by Jurrien Timber, but referee Andy Madley did not award a penalty. Iraola expressed frustration, stating that if Isak had gone to the floor, the penalty would have been called.

Iraola's comments were made after VAR, led by Stuart Attwell, decided there was not enough in the tug on Isak's shirt for the decision to be overturned. Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann noted that Timber took a huge risk by grabbing Isak's shirt, saying it was "right on the limit" and could have been given as a penalty on another day.

Liverpool players and staff reacted to the incident, with Danny Murphy stating that Arsenal "got lucky" and that the decision came at a pivotal point in the game. Gary Neville also commented that Isak's reaction was unusual, as he failed to appeal for a penalty despite being pulled back by Timber.