Liverpool make ‘wise move’ as Ex-FIFA referee speaks out over Chelsea controversy
Liverpool lost 2-1 against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, but it was not without controversy.
Arsenal had overtaken Liverpool in the Premier League table with their win over West Ham on 4 October, and the Reds needed to respond at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool supporters were facing issues getting to London, with Storm Amy wreaking havoc on travel plans across the country.
Giorgi Mamardashvili was forced into his first Liverpool league start, with Alisson out, and it did not start well as the L4 outfit went in at the break at 1-0 down.
Liverpool make ‘wise move’ after Conor Bradley incident
Liverpool star Conor Bradley has struggled since returning from injury, and he had a tough first 45 minutes in the capital.
Bradley was already on a booking when he was deemed to have brought down Alejandro Garnacho on the stroke of half-time.
However, former FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett agreed with Anthony Taylor’s decision not to caution the Northern Irishman.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, he said: “What makes this so difficult for the referee is that Garnacho is quick to go to ground.
“I would not expect a yellow card for that challenge. However, the wise move here by the Liverpool manager would be to substitute him.
“His style of play demonstrates he is walking the tightrope, and Liverpool will want to avoid going down to ten men.”
Hackett is right, it was not a second yellow card, but Slot was cautious after his man had been booked already.
Arne Slot seems to take Keith Hackett’s advice
Slot replaced Bradley with Florian Wirtz at half-time, so he clearly felt that there was a genuine risk that he could have been handed his marching orders.
It was a sensible move, as Hackett states, because the academy graduate is so keen to win the ball and sometimes pushes the limits.
The Reds could definitely not afford to have gone down to ten men, especially before half-time, as they were already behind.
The move did not matter as the Reds ultimately came away with nothing from Enzo Maresca’s side after a tough afternoon away from home.
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