Premier League Explain Why Fulham Did Not Get Penalty for Fabinho Challenge

The Premier League have released a statement explaining why Fulham were not given a penalty in the first half of their 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday.

With 16 minutes on the clock and the game goalless, Ivan Cavaleiro was tackled by Fabinho in the Liverpool box. Play was then halted while VAR checked whether the challenge had been a foul.

After a delay of three minutes - and referee Andre Mariner watching the incident on the pitchside monitor - a decision of 'No Penalty' was finally reached.

The lengthy delay and the call itself was criticised on social media, with the Premier League releasing a statement clarifying why the spot kick had not been given.

"VAR advised the referee to review the incident at the Referee Review Area for a potential penalty. He stayed with the on-field decision of corner as he felt that Fabinho got the ball, and there was no evidence of a clear & obvious error," it read, as reported by Rob Harris.

Fans returned to Craven Cottage on Sunday | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Soon after the VAR review Fulham took the lead through Bobby Decordova-Reid, who fired a fierce shot past the returning Alisson in the Reds' goal. The goal was just reward for the Cottagers' flying start to proceedings, with the Brazilian forced into a string of fine saves beforehand.

Key to their dominance was the all-action displays of midfielders Mario Lemina and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, while the back three also looked impenetrable throughout.

However, the hosts could not quite hold on to the win. More penalty controversy would follow in the second half with substitute Aboubakar Kamara penalised when the ball struck his elbow straight from a fierce free kick. Mohamed Salah made no mistake from the spot, sparing his side's blushes by earning them an away point.



Source : 90min