The debate over whether football players should exaggerate contact to influence referee and VAR decisions has intensified, particularly following Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
In the match at Anfield, Liverpool striker Alexander Isak appeared to have his shirt pulled by Arsenal's Jurrien Timber in the penalty area. However, Isak did not appeal for a foul, and neither the on-field referee nor the VAR chose to intervene. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola expressed frustration, stating, "The answer is you have to dive, if you don't dive they won't call it."
This contrasts with a previous match between Sunderland and Fulham, where Fulham's Calvin Bassey was awarded a penalty for a similar shirt pull after appealing to the referee. Bassey's action prompted the VAR to review the incident and advise the on-field referee to award the spot-kick.
Former Premier League referee Darren Cann noted that shirt pulling is only a foul if it impedes an opponent's movement, and the "coat hanger effect" is more likely to be penalized. The crucial factor is the perceived impact, which Isak's lack of appeal seemingly downplayed. Some in refereeing circles feel the criteria for VAR intervention are inconsistent, particularly regarding the use of slow-motion replays.
UEFA referees' chief Roberto Rosetti has previously indicated a desire to reduce the number of reviews, aiming to curb players who "embellish contact to 'win' penalties." This season, there's a greater focus on penalizing diving and exaggeration. The Premier League has historically seen fewer VAR interventions compared to other European leagues, with only one missed intervention according to the Key Match Incidents Panel this season, suggesting a high bar for review.
Despite the league's stated aim to reduce subjective reviews, Iraola's comments highlight a perceived reality in the game where players may feel compelled to dramatize incidents to gain favorable decisions from officials.