Liverpool Exclusive: Ex-FIFA official reacts to Newcastle United controversy
Liverpool failed to win their first trophy of the season as they lost 2-1 to Newcastle United in the EFL League Cup final.
The Reds faced their second loss of the week, first losing to PSG and then to the Magpies. The two losses have severely dented Liverpool’s season as they are out of the Champions League and have failed to win the Carabao Cup.
Dan Burn and Alexander Isak scored for Eddie Howe’s side as they went up 2-0. Liverpool tried hard to find a way back in the game but failed as Federico Chiesa’s goal in stoppage time of the second half was too late to inspire a comeback.
The Reds will now shift their focus on the Premier League after the international break, where they have a 12-point lead over Arsenal.
Keith Hackett shoots down penalty claims for Liverpool
Although Liverpool were pushing to find a goal, they unfortunately failed to conjure up anything substantial other than Chiesa’s strike.
With the scoreline 2-0, the Reds were desperate for the goal and tried all sorts of antics to get back in the game.
In the 78th minute, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk went down and asked for a penalty, making it look like Newcastle player Kieran Trippier brought him down.
No penalty was awarded and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett has now given his verdict on the incident.
| Opposition | Home/Away |
| Everton | Home |
| Fulham | Away |
| West Ham | Home |
| Leicester City | Away |
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, Hackett said: “This is manufactured contact in trying to win a penalty kick. There referee is spot on with his decision to ignore it.”
Liverpool’s season turns in a week
A week ago, the Reds were in three competitions and posing a strong case to win all three. In the Champions League, they managed to go 1-0 up against PSG in the first leg and with the second leg at Anfield, Liverpool were favourites to go through.
They were also the favourites to win the League Cup final given their status as the top team in England right now.
But Liverpool’s world came crashing down as the Merseysiders exited the Champions League and lost the League Cup final.
The Reds are now active in only one competition – Premier League. They are cruising at this stage and are favourites to win the league title with nine games to go.
Arne Slot’s side should canter towards the title without any problems, but if they let the recent losses affect them, they could start dropping points in the league.