Liverpool given clear VAR verdict after Mo Salah penalty overturned for diving

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Mike Dean has clarified that VAR was right to overturn Liverpool's penalty in the first-half of their match with Crystal Palace on Saturday. Mohamed Salah looked to have been fouled by Brennan Johnson in the Palace box just 23 minutes into the encounter, with referee Andy Madley instantly pointing to the spot.

However, VAR swiftly intervened after scrutinising the footage, Neil Davies asking the official to approach the pitch-side monitor for a second look. While Madley was at the screen, Sky Sports Soccer Saturday pundits were quick to give their verdict for fans watching along at home.

Tim Sherwood , explaining the process, said: "It's a breakaway from Mo Salah , he bursts forward, I don't think it should be given. Brennan Johnson is adamant there is no contact with Mo Salah, if he does it's outside the box.

"I think he's dived, Johnson makes a dive and Salah goes over, he jumps straight over. Soon as he hits the floor, he's straight up Mo Salah."

Former referee Dean also added: "I don't think it's a penalty kick. I think Johnson's gone in to win the ball, Salah's knocked it past him, Johnson's got a touch on the ball, it's then hit Salah.

"I don't think Salah's even looking for a penalty, I just think he's lost his balance and gone down. So for me it shouldn't be a penalty kick - and if anything it's probably just outside as well."

Madley ultimately back-tracked on his decision, awarding a drop ball for Dean Henderson to collect, while the Premier League Match Centre issued an explanation. They wrote on X: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Liverpool .

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"Referee announcement: 'After review, Crystal Palace number 11 gets a touch on the ball. My final decision is a drop ball to the goalkeeper - no penalty.'"

It comes as Liverpool eventually managed to secure a 1-0 lead at Anfield from open play, Alexander Isak finding the back of the net 35 minutes into the match. Andy Robertson also doubled down five minutes later, hitting it hard and low past Henderson from close range.

Isak has been tasked with leading the line for the Reds immediately after recovering from a leg fracture due to Hugo Ekitike's recent injury.

Ekitike ruptured his Achilles tendon during last week's match against PSG in the quarter-finals of the Champions League , and now faces up to nine months on the sidelines as a result.

As it stands, Isak is the first-team's only pure out and out centre-forward, although Arne Slot could also opt to utilise Cody Gakpo through the middle as he has done on occasion this season.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.