Former PGMOL Chief criticises officials for ‘obvious error’ in Liverpool’s victory over Ipswich

Liverpool secured their first win of Andoni Iraola era, with a 2-0 victory at Portman Road against Ipswich Town.

Fans of the Reds will have been pleased with the performance of their team, as Alexander Isak netted a double, with Cody Gakpo assisting both.

Yet, the former PGMOL chief was surprised that the officials had made a serious error regarding a penalty decision, which could have give Isak the chance to net his hat-trick.

Read Next: Liverpool's Bradley Barcola already sets Premier League record after 30 minutes vs Ipswich

Former PGMOL chief slams the officials for ‘clear and obvious error’

Darren England was sent to the pitchside monitor in the second half to deliberate with his VAR team about whether Dominik Szoboszlai should have been awarded a penalty after he was fouled by Leif Davis in the penalty area.

The referee admitted that he had made a mistake by not awarding the penalty for the Liverpool player, but he pointed out that the Reds would not be given a spot-kick as the Hungarian was offside in the build-up.

Yet, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett was quick to slam the officials regarding a first-half decision, and England’s decision not to award a penalty to Liverpool.

Gakpo went down inside Ipswich's box after being caught late by Ipswich's Abdul Fatawu. England did not award Liverpool a penalty and VAR chose not to intervene.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said: ““This is a nailed-on penalty kick decision. The Ipswich player is so late with his foul challenge that I cannot believe that the referee has not pointed to the penalty mark.

“I understand that the PROref organisation wants to see less interference by VAR. However, this non-award of a penalty kick by the referee meets the criteria for a clear and obvious error. VAR should have intervened.”

Read Next: Roberto Firmino's advice to Alexander Isak came true within nine minutes vs Ipswich

Andoni Iraola heaps praise on Cody Gakpo’s performance against Ipswich

Liverpool’s new manager was quick to heap praise post match about the Netherland’s international’s performance against Ipswich.

Iraola was pleased with the performance of Gakpo as he provided the two assists for Isak in the match, which led to his first ever win as Liverpool manager.

The Spaniard did not mention the failure of the officials to award Gakpo a penalty after the foul on him in the first half, as it had no impact on the victory.

Iraola said: “I had no doubt with Cody. He has been very, very good. All pre-season, [and] has started very well this season, producing numbers.

“Today, even after the two assists, he finishes as the No. 9 to help us close the game, and I think it’s good to have Cody because he can play in the three positions up top, like all of our other players.

"To have him in this place for the beginning of the season is good."

Liverpool get their Champions League in their next fixture as they face Atletico Madrid at Anfield.