Premier League explains why Fulham were denied a penalty against Liverpool despite VAR review

The Premier League has clarified why Fulham were denied a penalty in the early stages of their dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool at Craven Cottage, despite the incident being reviewed by the VAR.

In the fifth minute, Andreas Pereira pressed high and dispossessed Ibrahima Konate inside the Liverpool penalty area. As Pereira attempted to square the ball to Rodrigo Muniz, Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher went to ground and made contact with the Fulham midfielder.

Moments later, Muniz collided with Virgil van Dijk, prompting strong appeals from the home side.

However, referee Chris Kavanagh waved play on, and the VAR, after a check, upheld the on-field decision.

In a statement posted to social media, the Premier League Match Centre then explained: ‘The referee’s call of no penalty to Fulham following a challenge by Kelleher on Pereira was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed a coming together and not a reckless action.

‘The VAR also checked and cleared the incident between van Dijk and Muniz.’

Chris Kavanagh did not point to the penalty spot and his decision was backed up by the VAR

The decision divided fans and pundits alike. Many Fulham supporters voiced their anger online, questioning how a challenge of that nature could be dismissed as a mere ‘coming together’.

One fan fumed: ‘A coming together is hilarious – he’s dived at his feet and tripped him up.’

Another added: ‘If an outfield player makes a challenge like that and misses the ball, it’s a foul every time.’

Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, criticised Liverpool’s defending in the build-up but acknowledged that the incident involving Van Dijk and Muniz was unlikely to be given as a penalty.

‘Andreas Pereira does well, knocks it to Rodrigo Muniz and the ball runs away from him and he collides with Virgil van Dijk. That won’t be a penalty but Liverpool are still very fortunate,’ said Morrison.

Despite the early controversy, Fulham responded superbly after falling behind to a thunderous 14th-minute strike from Alexis Mac Allister.

Goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Muniz turned the game on its head in a scintillating 14-minute spell before the break, giving Marco Silva’s side a 3-1 lead.

A tweet posted by the Premier League Match Centre explained why a penalty was not given

Fulham boss Marco Silva pictured (left) complaining to referee Kavanagh at Craven Cottage

Luis Diaz pulled one back for Liverpool in the second half, but Fulham held on for a famous victory in front of 27,770 fans at Craven Cottage.

The result was a big shock as it was only Liverpool’s second Premier League defeat all season.

Despite losing on Sunday, Arne Slot’s men remain 11 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.

The Reds need only 11 points from their final seven fixtures to guarantee their second title of the Premier League era.