Liverpool fans unload over video ref
LIVERPOOL fans have reacted angrily after the video referee was used on three separate occasions during their 3-2 FA Cup loss to West Brom.
The Reds benefited from the video referee’s intervention as Craig Dawson saw a header ruled out for offside, while just minutes later the Reds were handed a penalty as Jake Livermore was ruled to have impeded Mohamed Salah in the area. Roberto Firmino (pictured), who had opened the scoring in the fifth minute, missed the resulting penalty.
A third instance emerged later in the match as the video referee let Brom’s third and eventually decisive goal stand.
All three decisions made upstairs were correct, although the repeated use of the technology prompted outcry on social media as the Reds were condemned to a fourth round FA Cup exit for the third consecutive year.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp however refused to blame the shock loss on the VAR, and instead urged his players to reflect on their performances.
“It’s obvious what we did wrong in these situations,” he said.
“The second goal was just, wow, really bad defending from the whole group. That’s not how defending should be. We didn’t use the chance on the penalty and then their third goal must be off-side. What can you do?
“We have only ourselves to blame.”
It’s looking like seven straight seasons without silverware for the Anfield club. With a potential FA Cup tilt out of the question, all eyes turn to the Reds’ Champions League campaign which continues against Porto on February 15.