Liverpool exclusive: Ex-FIFA ref hits out at controversial Bournemouth footage
Keith Hackett believes that Liverpool were lucky to be awarded a penalty in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth.
Cody Gakpo went down under a challenge from Lewis Cook in the 30th minute of the clash at the Vitality Stadium (1 February) and referee Darren England pointed to the spot.
Mohamed Salah converted from the spot kick to give the Reds the lead before he doubled their advantage with a stunning curling effort in the 75th minute.
However, former PGMOL chief Hackett explained why the decision was controversial to Liverpool News.
“This is a poor decision for me.
“I do believe that the attacker has clipped his own feet and gone to ground. Any contact by the defender was minimal and in my view accidental.
“The Referee was not in the best of positions and should have been asked by VAR to take another look.”
Liverpool will not care after massive win
Arne Slot’s side secured victory in a tough contest on the south coast against a Cherries side that had not been beaten since 23 November.
The result felt huge given the momentum that the hosts had going into the contest and the fact that Arsenal face a reinvigorated Manchester City side on 2 February.
Andoni Iraola’s side had plenty of chances to equalise as Antoine Semenyo and Marcus Tavernier both hit the post before the Egyptian fired in a stunning second so the Anfield faithful will just be relieved that their team got the job done.
The Reds hold a nine-point advantage at the top of the Premier League and face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg on 6 February, followed by a trip to Championship outfit Plymouth in the FA Cup on 9 February.
The Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on 12 February is the next league contest for the Anfield outfit as they look to continue their title charge.
In other Liverpool news, Virgil van Dijk was told to “stop it” after what he did against the Cherries on Saturday.
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