Liverpool Fined by FA After Controversial Loss to Tottenham
Liverpool’s first loss of the season was mired in controversy, and the Football Association (FA) have now issued an automatic fine of £25,000 for the Reds’ seven yellow cards and two reds shown in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham. It is hoped that this incident could ultimately change the way in which games are officiated in England.
Vague Explanation of Failed Goal Award
The incident in question was the failure to award Luis Diaz a goal, which has been widely dismissed. Liverpool issued a statement on Sunday night questioning how “human error” was used in excuse. The Reds also saw two players sent off and four others booked, many in questionable circumstances.
Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah Booked
Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah were both cautioned despite seemingly not being in the wrong, with Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister also booked along with assistant manager Peter Krawietz. Curtis Jones saw an initial yellow card upgraded to a red after a VAR check, while Diogo Jota was dismissed for two bookable offences, the first of which should not have stood.
Investigation Into Referee Performance
An investigation is underway into the performance of referee Simon Hooper and VAR Darren England assistant VAR Dan Cook within PGMOL. Liverpool have explained they would “explore the range of options available, given the clear need for escalation and resolution.”
Potential Further Charges for Post-Match Comments
According to the Liverpool Echo, the club could yet receive further charges following post-match comments from players on social media. Mac Allister is among those in question for a reply to Tottenham defender Cristian Romero’s post on Instagram, in which he suggested Spurs had played with “12 players.” The Echo report that “sources confirm there has been no decision either way on potential action,” though any charge would come under major scrutiny given the wider issues.
Andy Robertson’s Message to Fans
“To the 3,000 Reds who kept us going to the very end, your support was incredible!” Andy Robertson wrote on Instagram. “Others may have let us down, but you never did.”
Conclusion
The FA’s fine of £25,000 is an indication of how seriously they are taking this incident, and it is hoped that it will lead to a change in the way games are officiated in England. However, there is still the potential for further charges to be brought against Liverpool players and staff for their post-match comments on social media. In the midst of all this controversy, it is important to remember Andy Robertson’s message to the fans who never let them down – their support was incredible.