Fans left puzzled as Liverpool denied easy goal in controversial incident at West Ham
In a match that ended in a 2-2 draw between West Ham and Liverpool, fans were left demanding answers after a baffling decision by referee Anthony Taylor. The incident in question occurred late in the game and has been described as one of the most mystifying decisions of the season.
The controversy began when West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola tumbled to the ground after gathering a high ball under pressure. Surprisingly, Taylor appeared to wave play on, raising his arm and jogging away. Areola, seemingly unharmed, threw the ball in front of him as if to take a free-kick, even taking the time to adjust his socks. It was at this moment that Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo ran in to take possession of the ball.
However, just as Gakpo was about to make his move, Taylor blew the whistle and strode back towards Areola. He put his hand on the Frenchman, said a few words, and signaled for West Ham’s physio to come on. This bizarre exchange left viewers bemused and questioning Taylor’s decision-making.
Viewers noted that Taylor seemed to be waving play on rather than giving a free-kick, suggesting that the game was still active when Gakpo pounced on the ball. Many criticized Taylor for his handling of the situation, with one viewer stating, “Classic Taylor messing up when it actually matters.”
Some even speculated on what Taylor might have said to Areola to prompt the sudden injury. One fan wrote, “Want to hear what Taylor said to the keeper for him to go from pulling his socks up to being injured.”
Despite the confusion surrounding the incident, a few viewers suggested that Gakpo should have taken matters into his own hands and scored the goal regardless. They argued that even if he had been booked for his actions, the goal could have stood pending VAR review.
Overall, fans are still waiting for answers and an explanation for Taylor’s decision. The incident has sparked discussions about the role of referees in the game and the need for clearer communication and consistency in decision-making.