Ex-referee Dermot Gallagher weighs in on Harvey Elliott penalty decision

In the aftermath of Liverpool's late penalty, which helped to salvage a 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has now given his take on the controversial decision.

Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot in the 83rd minute of the Premier League clash at Old Trafford after Harvey Elliott went down in the box under a challenge from United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who attempted a sliding tackle.

Mohamed Salah converted the resulting spot-kick to level the scores, sparking debate among Manchester United fans, who contested the validity of the penalty call.

Gallagher, however, supported Taylor and the VAR's final judgment, affirming on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, "I think penalty. If you make a challenge like this, the expectation from me was penalty."

Enough contact?

The biggest issue around the penalty call was whether enough contact was made on the Liverpool man.

Gallagher addressed this directly: "People say 'is there a lot of contact?' Well he dives in, he definitely makes contact."

When asked if Elliott had 'initiated contact', the former referee said: "I think he's just stood his ground. My expectation was penalty and I think the decision is right."

'Baffling'

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock, also appearing on the same show, echoed Gallagher's sentiment, questionning the logic of those disputing the decision.

He said: "I find it baffling... suggesting there's no contact. They think it's not a penalty."

To further illustrate his point, Warnock pointed toward the home players' lack of protest, noting: "Wan-Bissaka doesn't argue it; no Manchester United player does."

Ultimately, the draw further complicated the Premier League title race for Jurgen Klopp's side, with both Manchester City and Arsenal securing victories at the weekend.

With just one point separating the top three teams, the outcome of this season's title race could go to the death.