Premier League Issues Official Statement Following Liverpool vs Wolves Controversy

The Premier League has explained why the VAR advised referee Simon Hooper to overturn his decision to award Liverpool a penalty in their match against Wolves at Anfield.

Emmanuel Agbadou was initially penalised for an apparent foul on Diogo Jota as he shifted onto his right in the 57th minute.

However, replays showed that the only contact was Jota clipping Agbadou's torso with his foot. The VAR determined that no foul had been committed and recommended an on-field review. Following the review, the referee reversed his decision, and play resumed with a drop ball.

The Premier League's match centre clarified: "VAR checked the referee’s call for a penalty for a challenge by Agbadou on Jota and concluded that the contact was not initiated by Agbadou, leading to a recommendation for an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision, and play restarted with a drop ball."

Pundit Stephen Warnock, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, remarked, "I don't think it's a penalty. No penalty. The right decision. Liverpool fans will think it's a clear penalty, but I don’t think Simon Hooper needs to see another angle."

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Agbadou, meanwhile, had to be substituted after injuring himself while attempting the challenge.

Liverpool were 2-0 up at the time, with Luis Diaz opening the scoring early on, and Mohamed Salah converting a 37th-minute penalty after Diaz was fouled by Wolves keeper Jose Sa.

Salah had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half, but Matheus Cunha pulled one back soon after the penalty decision was overturned.

Despite the late pressure, Arne Slot's Reds held on for the win, restoring their seven-point lead over second-placed Arsenal. Liverpool now face Aston Villa on Wednesday night.