The Premier League has released a statement explaining why referee Simon Hooper overturned his decision to award Liverpool a penalty against Wolves on Sunday afternoon.

Emmanuel Agbadou seemingly felled Diogo Jota inside the box to offer Mohamed Salah the opportunity to score his second spot kick of the afternoon at Anfield.

However, VAR John Brooks recommended an on-field review after replays suggested possible simulation by the Liverpool forward.

After checking the pitchside screen, Hooper reversed his decision, much to the disappointment of the home crowd, to keep the score at 2-0 just before the hour mark.

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The Premier League Match Centre X account later posted to explain the decision, claiming Agbadou was deemed not to have fouled Jota.

A statement read: "VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Liverpool for a challenge by Agbadou on Jota and deemed any contact was not initiated by Agbadou, therefore recommended an on-field review.

"The referee overturned the original decision, and play restarted with a drop ball."

Hooper ultimately came to the right decision.

However, the referee caused confusion by failing to show Jota a yellow card for simulation.

The rules state that "attempts to deceive the referee by feigning injury or pretending to have been fouled (simulation)" must be sanctioned as unsporting behaviour, which is misconduct punishable by a yellow card.

Wolves fans were already left fuming after Ibrahima Konate escaped a red card in the first half after he misjudged a header and clattered into an opposition player while already booked.

Arne Slot hauled the centre-back off at half-time, introducing Jarrell Quansah, and Jamie Carragher didn't hold back in his criticism.

"It's a stupid challenge from Konate, he's on a yellow card.

I'd be surprised if he comes out for the second half," Carragher reacted on Sky Sports commentary.

"It's not a yellow card; he just misjudges the header, but it's a daft challenge, absolutely ridiculous.

He was a bit like that on Wednesday night [vs Everton] as well.

"Slot is talking now to his assistant; there's absolutely no doubt Konate will be coming off at half-time.

"He's done a couple of stupid things in the game, pulling someone back by the opposition corner flag, which he didn't need to do."

Luis Diaz and Salah's goals were enough to restore Liverpool's seven-point lead at the Premier League summit after Matheus Cunha's second-half strike made for a nervy finale.

The Reds' next three league fixtures - trips to Aston Villa and Manchester City and a home clash against Newcastle United - could make or break their title pursuit.


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