After Jurgen Klopp received a £75,000 fine and a two-match ban (one of which is suspended) for his comments about referee Paul Tierney, Liverpool contacted the FA to complain of unfair treatment of Mo Salah. This was in response to two particular challenges on Salah in the 4-3 win over Tottenham in April and the 1-0 win over Man City in October, both of which occurred in the direct eye-line of the linesman but did not receive a foul. In their correspondence with the FA during their investigation, Liverpool pointed to the fact that they believed Salah had not been treated fairly by a number of refereeing decisions during the season, although they made no accusations against Tierney.
It is clear that defenders are often given the benefit of the doubt in challenges on Salah, with the Egyptian only adjudged to have been fouled 31 times in the Premier League this season, fewer than 61 other players. This is despite Salah attempting 120 dribbles in this season’s top flight, with only six players attempting more. The FA made no further comment on Liverpool’s complaint over Salah’s treatment, with their focus instead on Klopp.