Galatasaray vs Liverpool drama as manager fortunate to escape punishment after what he was seen doing
Liverpool struggled in their Champions League trip to Istanbul as they fell to defeat against Galatasaray.
Victor Osimhen scored the only goal of the game as Liverpool fell to a 1-0 defeat, with the former Napoli striker scoring a controversial penalty.
It was a tough night for Arne Slot, who also faced an injury nightmare as goalkeeper Alisson was forced off, while Hugo Ekitike also hobbled off on Tuesday.
There were several controversial decisions as Liverpool were also denied a penalty in the final minutes, and both managers were vocal throughout the game.
Okan Buruk should have been booked in Liverpool defeat
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk orchestrated this victory over Slot, but he was an angry figure on the touchline for most of the match.
On the stroke of half-time, Osimhen went down after a foul in the Liverpool back line, and Buruk was furious on the touchline.
- Osimhen caused Ibrahima Konate nightmares, but missed several chances.
- The penalty came after an arguably soft foul from Dominik Szoboszlai.
Both sides registered four shots on target each, with Liverpool creating two big chances as highlighted by Sofascore.
Buruk appealed to the fourth official for the referee to award a card, and speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, former FIFA referee Keith Hackett claimed that the Turkish manager should have been booked.
“The fourth official should have reported the head coach to his colleague, the referee,” Hackett said.
“The referee should then have come over to the technical area and sanctioned the coach with a card.”
Clement Turpin card-happy in Liverpool defeat
Referee Clement Turpin was card-happy in Istanbul, dishing out five to the home side and three to the away team.
Had the fourth official reported Buruk, he would have been booked as well, while Ryan Gravenberch, Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz were all carded for Liverpool.
Liverpool may have several complaints over the Galatasaray penalty, but they were also well below par as they allowed Galatasaray to win their first Champions League home match in seven years.
Slot has now lost back-to-back games, with Liverpool also beaten by Crystal Palace in their previous outing, and there is plenty for him to ponder.
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