Liverpool Fined by FA After Controversial Defeat to Tottenham

Liverpool’s first loss of the season was mired in controversy, and the club has now been issued with an automatic fine from the FA after seven yellow cards and two reds were shown in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham. The Reds are hoping that this incident will ultimately change the way in which games are officiated in England.

Vague Explanation of Failed Goal Award

The explanation of the failure to award Luis Diaz a goal has been widely dismissed, with the club issuing a statement on Sunday night questioning how “human error” was used in excuse. Beyond the decision to rule Diaz offside, Liverpool also saw two players sent off and four others booked, many in questionable circumstances.

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.

FA Issue Automatic Fine

As a result of seven yellow cards and two reds being shown to Liverpool players and staff, the FA have issued an automatic fine of £25,000. It comes amid the furore over VAR Darren England assistant VAR Dan Cook’s failings, along with the baffling on-field officiating of referee Simon Hooper.

An investigation is underway into their performance within PGMOL, with Liverpool explaining they would “explore the range of options available, given the clear need for escalation and resolution.” According to the Liverpool Echo, the club could yet receive further charges following post-match comments from players on social media.

Post-Match Comments Could Lead to Further Charges

Alexis 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 wrote on Instagram: “To the 3,000 Reds who kept us going to the very end, your support was incredible! Others may have let us down, but you never did.” Comments such as those are vague, and are unlikely to contravene FA guidelines which warn against posts that “imply bias, attack their integrity, are personally offensive, prolonged, or particularly unreasonable [against match officials].”

Conclusion

The incident at Tottenham has raised questions about the officiating of games in England and how VAR is used. Liverpool have been fined by the FA for seven yellow cards and two reds being shown to their players and staff, and they could yet face further charges depending on post-match comments from players on social media. It remains to be seen what action will be taken by PGMOL in response to this incident.