The two former England internationals agreed on how Liverpool were awarded a dubious penalty in their 3-1 win over Crystal Palace
Both Alan Shearer and Gary Linker questioned the decision to award Liverpool a penalty in their 3-1 win at Selhurst Park against a bravely fighting Crystal Palace side. The two former England internationals and goalscorers felt referee Kevin Friend should not have pointed to the spot after Eagles goalkeeper Vicente Guaita committed a foul on Diogo Jota.
After the incident was the subject of a lengthy review (VAR ), Friend almost ended the tie as a contest as the penalty was given late on when it was already 2-1 to Liverpool.
Shearer complained about the decision on Twitter, writing, "Funny decision VAR. Never a penalty," before going on to take aim at both Friend and VAR official Craig Pawson.
The former Newcastle United striker added: "This decision should be made by two experienced referees. It's never a penalty."
The Premier League's record goalscorer also made his feelings clear to Premier League Productions after the game.
"Craig Pawson on VAR thinks that's a howler from Kevin Friend? He thinks it's such a clear and obvious mistake that I recommend you go to the screen and review your decision," he ranted.
"And then Kevin Friend does not have the guts to stand by his original decision and say, 'You know what, I am not going to listen to you, I am going to stand by my original decision.
His fellow Match of the Day pundit Lineker echoed that sentiment, stating, "It's not a penalty. Never in a million years," before writing in a second tweet, "This is a truly appalling decision."
Glenn Murray, another former Premier League striker, also criticised the decision, saying that Jota's own momentum caused the collision.
"I feel Diogo Jota wants to take the chance but he misses the ball completely and the momentum drives him towards Vicente Guaita, with the ball then going out of play," he told BBC 5 Live.
"I can not understand how Kevin Friend gets called to the monitor, let alone makes a penalty decision.
"For me it spoiled a really good game of football, but ultimately Liverpool controlled the game for long periods and deserved the result."
Palace came out of the defeat incredibly well, as they often do under Patrick Vieira, and were a threat for long stretches of the second half.
Odsonne Edouard gave the home fans hope once again after goals from Virgil van Dijk and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gave Liverpool the lead.
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