Liverpool defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 in round 7 to continue leading the Premier League table with 18 points, 1 point ahead of Man City and Arsenal. In this match, there was a controversial situation when captain Virgil van Dijk pulled Marc Guehi’s arm in the penalty area but the referee and VAR decided not to award Crystal Palace a penalty.

VAR ruled that “the collision between Virgil van Dijk and Marc Guehi did not last long enough for Crystal Palace to be awarded a penalty” against Liverpool at Selhurst Park.

The Premier League has been quick to explain why Virgil van Dijk was not penalised late in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Liverpool’s Dutch defender Van Dijk was seen pulling the arm of Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi in the box. The incident was reviewed by video assistant referee David Coote, who decided there was no foul play.

Diogo Jota’s early goal was enough for Arne Slot’s side to leave Selhurst Park with all three points but Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner was left fuming on the touchline when Guehi fell to the ground in the 71st minute and referee Simon Hooper failed to point to the spot.

The Premier League’s social media accounts were quick to explain the process.

“The referee’s decision not to award a penalty for van Dijk’s challenge on Guehi was reviewed by VAR and confirmed, as the challenge (hand-pulling) was not sustained long enough and did not affect play,” the Premier League said in a statement explaining why Liverpool were not awarded a penalty.