The Premier League has clarified why Fulham was denied in the early stages of their dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool in Craven Cottage in the early stages of their dramatic 3-2 victory, despite the fact that the incident was assessed by the VAR.
In the fifth minute Andreas Pereira High pressed Ibrahima -Konaat in the Liverpool punishment area. While Pereira tried to fight the ball to Rodrigo Muniz, Liverpool -goalkeeper Cooimhin Kelleher went to the ground and made contact with the Fulham midfielder.
Moments later, Muniz collided with Virgil van Dijk, which encouraged strong calls from the home team.
Referee Chris Kavanagh, however, swung and the VAR, after a check, confirmed the decision on the field.
In a statement on social media, the Premier League competition then explained: 'The call by the referee of No Penalty to Fulham after a challenge by Kelleher on Pereira was checked and confirmed by VAR – thereby considering a coming together and no reckless action.
“The VAR checked and also knew the incident between Van Dijk and Muniz.”
The decision distributed both fans and experts. Many fulham supporters have expressed their anger online and wondered how a challenge of that nature could be rejected if a purely 'coming together'.
A fan rumbled: “Coming together is hilarious – he dives at his feet and stumbled him up.”
Another added: “If an outfield player makes such a challenge and misses the ball, it is a mistake every time.”
Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison, who spoke on BBC Radio 5 Live, criticized Liverpool's defense in the structure, but acknowledged that the incident with Van Dijk and Muniz would probably not be given as a punishment.
'Andreas Pereira is doing well, hits Rodrigo Muniz and the ball runs away from him and bumps with Virgil van Dijk. That will not be a fine, but Liverpool is still very happy, “said Morrison.
Despite the early controversy, Fulham reacted excellent after he had fallen behind a thunderous strike of the 14th minute by Alexis Mac Allister.
Goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Muniz went upside down in a sparkling 14 minutes spell before the break, giving Marco Silva a 3-1 lead.
Luis Diaz withdrew one for Liverpool in the second half, but Fulham held up for a famous victory for 27,770 fans in Craven Cottage.
The result was a big shock because it was only the second Premier League defeat of Liverpool throughout the season.
Despite losing on Sunday, the men of Arne Slot remain 11 points free of Arsenal at the top of the table.
The Reds only need 11 points from their last seven games to guarantee their second title of the Premier League era.
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