Premier League11 hours ago1 minute read

Panel Admits Liverpool Penalty Error as Bellamy Backs Koumas

An independent panel ruled Liverpool deserved a penalty against Arsenal, while Craig Bellamy praised the progress of Lewis Koumas.

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Independent Panel Backs Liverpool Penalty Claim

Liverpool should have received a penalty for a shirt pull on Alexander Isak during their recent clash with Arsenal, according to the Key Match Incidents panel.

The incident took place on Nov. 1 at Anfield, where Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory. Gunners defender Jurrien Timber grabbed the Sweden forward's shirt inside the box. Referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue, and VAR Stuart Attwell decided not to recommend a review.

Official Review Splits Over VAR Role

Pundits including Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright had questioned the decision at the time. Now the five person review panel has supported those complaints.

Four of the five panellists concluded Madley made the wrong call, agreeing that Timber's challenge crossed the line into a holding offence. Three panellists went further, stating that Attwell made a clear and obvious error by failing to step in.

Bellamy Applauds Liverpool For Koumas Development

Away from refereeing debates, Wales manager Craig Bellamy spoke warmly about how Liverpool are managing young forward Lewis Koumas. The 21 year old has earned regular minutes under Andoni Iraola, making five starts and nine substitute appearances across all competitions. That stretch includes his first Champions League goal in a 6-3 win against Austrian club LASK.

Bellamy, a former Liverpool player, feels the club judged the timing right after several loans. Koumas made 31 starts and scored six goals for Stoke during the 2024-25 season, following spells with Birmingham and promotion winners Hull.

Forward Set For Starting Role In Norway

Bellamy noted that lower division loans aid player development, comparing the path to Harry Kane's early career. He also praised the attacker's running power, comparing his energy to former teammate Carlos Tevez.

Koumas scored his first international goal against Ghana in June and is expected to lead the Wales attack in Oslo on Saturday as they look to remain in League A. Bellamy said the forward brings outstanding intensity and work rate that helps lift the entire squad.