Liverpool players and Jurgen Klopp left furious after VAR played its role in the 1-1 draw against Brighton
A report by Liverpool Echo mentions the reaction from the Liverpool team on and off the pitch in the aftermath of Pascal Gross’ injury-time penalty for Brighton awarded due to VAR.
Diogo Jota scored in the 60th minute to put Liverpool in front after Mohamed Salah had his goal ruled out for offside by the smallest of margins.
Sadio Mane rose highest to head home Liverpool’s second in the 83rd minute but the goal was yet again adjudged to be offside by the VAR. Andy Robertson’s tackle on Danny Welbeck decided the result in injury time. (h/t Liverpool Echo)
Robertson took a swipe at Danny Welbeck’s foot after failing to clear the ball. The English striker appeared to go down after taking a few steps, which caught referee Stuart Atwell’s attention.
Atwell pointed to the spot after consulting the pitch-side monitor and Pascal Gross scored from the resulting penalty. The reaction from the Liverpool players in the aftermath of the penalty decision conveyed their frustration.
Alisson Becker, who was playing his 100th game for Liverpool, received the Reds’ only yellow card of the game when he incessantly protested Stuart Atwell’s decision to point to the spot.
Jurgen Klopp mockingly applauded Simon Hooper, the fourth official, on the touchline as the penalty was awarded to Brighton. It is not yet confirmed if the FA will charge him for the gesture.
In a rare sight, Liverpool players took to Twitter to address their frustration. James Milner, Andy Robertson, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Diogo Jota all took to Twitter to express their frustration at the result.
It’s “clear and obvious” we need a serious discussion about VAR. Sure I’m not alone in feeling like they are falling out of love with the game in its current state. pic.twitter.com/5FGgLtqbHs
— James Milner (@JamesMilner) November 28, 2020
Wonder when the people playing the game will have a say! Very frustrating day but credit to Brighton, really tough opponent! pic.twitter.com/FxluTuThyC
— Andy Robertson (@andrewrobertso5) November 28, 2020
Tough to see the win slip away right at the end. But we have to move on quickly… #BHALIV #YNWA pic.twitter.com/BFJJN7drvY
— Gini Wijnaldum (@GWijnaldum) November 28, 2020
Very tough one 🤯 pic.twitter.com/4DBfHhZJM8
— Diogo Jota (@DiogoJota18) November 28, 2020
The result saw Liverpool go temporarily at the top of the league table until Spurs’ 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Sunday. The Reds have had the most decisions overturned (8) by VAR this season, which is 4 more than the next team on the list.
