Klopp would be right to feel angered by inconsistency

Jurgen Klopp cannot have any complaints over the sending-off of Sadio Mane for his high challenge on Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. But he would be right to be livid that Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie escaped with a yellow card for an identical tackle yesterday on Swansea’s Alfie Mawson.

Jon Moss produced a piece of textbook refereeing with the Mane incident and in his decision to reach for a red card. Unfortunately, Mike Jones did not show the same resolve at the Liberty Stadium.

The laws governing this type of challenge have been tightened in recent years because of the breadth of interpretation that existed, which made the job of a referee so difficult. But if there is one thing that infuriates everyone it is when the laws are not applied consistently.

The main argument in defence of Mane was that he had his eyes solely on the ball, so therefore was unaware of the goalkeeper’s charge outside his box. I am sorry, but the ball cannot be used as an excuse for a challenge which could easily have left Ederson with a broken jaw.

It was also argued there was no intent on behalf of the Liverpool player to cause harm. That is completely irrelevant. Players have a duty of care towards their opponents and this, along with the law, needs to be emphasised to them. With greater knowledge, we might see a reduction in the risk of players being seriously injured.

The laws state clearly that a tackle or challenge that endangers the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality MUST be sanctioned as serious foul play – red card. Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball using one or both legs with excessive force, or endangers the safety of an opponent, is guilty of serious foul play – red card.

To his credit, Moss was in a great position and demonstrated how to use the right process to come to his decision – see, recognise, think and act. He used his experience by giving himself some thinking time before producing a red card. It was the right call, no question.

Jones would have been on strong ground had he followed suit over Ritchie. Unfortunately, having earlier failed to punish Newcastle’s Mikel Merino for a clear case of simulation in attempting to win a penalty, the official again showed weakness. Yellow was the wrong colour.