Pape Shaykh 👑🇸🇳

🚨 Michael Owen on the two controversial penalty appeals Liverpool were denied against Arsenal: 🎙️ Interviewer: “Michael, what was your reaction to the shirt pull on Alexander Isak? Michael Owen: “I couldn’t believe it wasn’t given. Isak is trying to get to the ball, there’s a clear tug on his shirt, and it affects his movement. You cannot tell attackers to stay on their feet while defenders are allowed to pull them back. That’s the whole point of the rule!” Interviewer: “And then there was another appeal involving Cody Gakpo? Michael Owen: “Exactly! That’s what makes it even more frustrating. Gakpo also appeared to have his shirt pulled, and again Liverpool got nothing. Two incidents, two huge decisions, and not even a penalty. At some point, people are going to ask what defenders are actually allowed to get away with.” Interviewer: “Do you think VAR should have intervened? Michael Owen: “That’s what VAR is there for! If the referee doesn’t see it, look at it again. These are potentially match-changing moments. You cannot spend all this time reviewing tiny details and then ignore shirt pulls that affect an attacker in the penalty area.” Interviewer: “What do you say to Liverpool supporters who feel decisions keep going against them? Michael Owen: “I understand the anger. You can lose a football match because the opposition played better, but supporters deserve to know that the rules are being applied consistently. If those incidents aren’t penalties, then explain what is. Don’t just expect everyone to move on.”