Former Match Officials Board chief Keith Hackett has backed Liverpool’s frustration over referee Stuart Attwell’s decision-making during their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham this week.
Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall, already on a yellow card, escaped a second booking for a late tackle on Kostas Tsimikas in the 84th minute. To Liverpool’s dismay, Bergvall went on to score the only goal of the game moments later.
Hackett described the challenge as “reckless” and deserving of a second yellow, criticizing both Attwell’s handling of the incident and the assistant referee’s failure to intervene.
Liverpool’s frustrations deepened as Tsimikas, forced off the pitch for treatment due to the non-foul ruling, was not allowed back on the pitch in time to defend the Tottenham attack that led to the goal.
The Reds did have chances of their own with Mo Salah shooting wide in the first half, as well as Darwin Nunez having his shot saved at the near post from a Salah ball in behind. Trent Alexander-Arnold came the closest with his shot cleared off the line from a tight angle.
Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was stretchered off in the first half after an awkward fall from a corner.
With there still a second leg to play, the one goal deficit can still be turned around at Anfield on February 6.
Featured image (c) Wikimedia Commons
