Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has slammed referee Howard Webb’s decision not to award Luis Suarez a penalty after the Uruguayan was sent tumbling in the second half at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

After Steven Gerrard had converted a second-half penalty and with Arsenal leading 2-1, Suarez got to a loose ball ahead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, drawing contact from the England international before hitting the deck inside the area.

But Webb – who was selected on the FIFA list for this summer’s World Cup – waved away Liverpool protestations for a spot-kick, despite a clear view of the incident.

And Fowler took to Twitter to air his frustration at the 42-year-old’s ‘shocking’ decision.

“Our best ref apparently... How can you miss that,” Fowler Tweeted.

“Not clinical enough and ref needs to have a look at himself.. Shocking decision.”

The 38-year-old continued to express his exasperation at Webb’s performance, suggesting the official was making his decisions on balance.

With regard to Webb’s call not to dismiss Steven Gerrard for a second bookable offence after a clumsy challenge, Fowler added: “Prob never gave stevie red because he never booked a few arsenal players ... Also maybe because he missed the 2nd pen.? Evening it out.”

The contentious episode prompted comment from a host of pundits and former Arsenal defender Martin Keown conceded the referee had made the wrong call.

"I see Howard Webb is a top referee. Things happen at break-neck speed. I needed a replay on numerous occasions but he got two major instances wrong,” he told BBC radio.

“But have understanding - that game was so quick. I didn't think, for example, that Steven Gerrard should have been sent off. For me the referee handled that well."

Oxlade-Chamberlain later admitted he was 'thankful' he wasn't adjudged to have felled the Premier League top scorer.

And while Arsene Wenger said he was unsure, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was left bemused by the referee’s 'bitterly disappointing' call.

"It was probably more clear and blatant than the first - it was certainly a clear penalty," Rodgers said.

Luis has just got a touch on the ball and young Alex has taken him out inside the box. It was a strange decision."