The Premier League Key Match Incident Panel have released their conclusions from gameweek nine of the 2026/27 season. Each week, five independent members review key refereeing decisions, including goals, red cards and penalties.
And as is custom, the KMI Panel releases their findings 10 days after the action as we delve into the conclusions from the big decisions.
Liverpool incorrectly denied first-half spotkick
The major talking point from gameweek nine was the decision to not award Liverpool a penalty in their eventual 1-0 loss to Arsenal. Kai Havertz’s first-half strike was enough for the Gunners to end their Anfield hoodoo.
However, in the 21st minute, Alexander Isak failed to get on the end of a Bradley Barcola cross having been pulled back by Jurren Timber. The Swede came close to getting on the end of the Frenchman’s ball into the box, but was ultimately inches away from making a connection.
And by a vote of 4-1, the KMI Panel felt the on-field decision was incorrect and that a Liverpool penalty should have been awarded, rather than an Arsenal goal kick.
What’s more, the Panel, by a vote of 3-2, felt the VAR intervention outcome was incorrect and that a clear and obvious error was made.
Having fallen behind just five minutes prior to the incident, Liverpool have every right to feel aggrieved at the decision to go against them. The Reds failed to mount a serious comeback, failing to have a shot on target across the 90 minutes in the narrow loss.
A first-half spotkick, then, would have presented Liverpool with the perfect chance to test David Raya. Had they scored, then the entire complexion of the clash at Anfield would have changed.
Ipswich should have had penalty in Hull stalemate
Elsewhere in gameweek nine, Ipswich Town should have had a first-half penalty in their eventual 2-2 draw with Hull City.
Captain Dara O’Shea went down after being held by Nobel Mendy in the 18th minute, though referee Thomas Kirk opted against awarding a penalty. The VAR also agreed with the on-field decision.
However, with a 4-1 vote in favour, the Panel agreed that a penalty should have been awarded and that the VAR should also have overturned the decision.
Alternative Table
The alternative table takes into account the gameweek 10 results, but only the adjusted results up to the gameweek nine KMI Panel findings. The alternative table will be adjusted accordingly next week when the gameweek 10 findings are published.
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