Gary Neville gives Liverpool penalty verdict as Virgil van Dijk left furious vs Arsenal

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Liverpool had shouts for a penalty dismissed in the first half against Arsenal after Jeremie Frimpong went down under the challenge of Piero Hincapie, with Gary Neville giving his verdict

Jeremie Frimpong felt he should have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)

Gary Neville dismissed Liverpool’s shouts for a penalty during the first half against Arsenal, despite Virgil van Dijk’s angry reaction.

Chances were few and far between during the opening 45 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, with the Reds looking to strengthen their hold on a top-four place while the Gunners were aiming to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Conor Bradley struck the bar after a mix-up between David Raya and his defenders, while Jeremie Frimpong felt he should have had a penalty following a challenge from Piero Hincapie as he looked to race clear.

Replays showed Frimpong’s foot getting caught in the turf at the same moment that Hincapie caught the Liverpool winger.

Fears were raised that Frimpong may have suffered an injury to his ankle, while the shouts for a penalty were waved away. Arsenal immediately went down the other end of the pitch and won a corner, leading to angry scenes as Frimpong remained down in the opposite penalty area.

Gary Neville dismissed Jeremie Frimpong's calls for a penalty against Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)

Van Dijk clashed with Arsenal’s Declan Rice, with the Liverpool captain seemingly arguing that the game should have been halted for Frimpong to receive treatment, although he could have also been making a case for his side to have been awarded a penalty.

Frimpong eventually got to his feet after some treatment, with former Manchester United captain Neville then giving his verdict on whether the Reds should have been given the chance to take the lead from the spot.

Commentating for Sky Sports, Neville began: “So Frimpong, as he was getting up, he thought it should have been a penalty, let’s have a look.”

After just one replay of the incident with Hincapie, Neville said: “No. It’s not.”

Liverpool.com says: In truth, it would have been a generous decision to give Liverpool a penalty there. Frimpong seemed to get his foot caught in the turf more than Hincapie catching him - thankfully, he looks to have escaped any sort of injury.