Mohamed Salah’s fiery post-match interview has dominated the headlines from Liverpool’s draw with Leeds United, but the home side’s crucial penalty was a huge moment in the clash
Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has told Liverpool it was the right decision to give Leeds United their crucial penalty on Saturday. Arne Slot’s men let two leads slip as the newly-promoted side secured a dramatic 3-3 draw at Elland Road.
Hugo Ekitike’s quickfire brace put Liverpool 2-0 up just after half time. Things appeared to be going smoothly until Ibrahima Konate slid into a challenge on Wilfried Gnonto.
The Frenchman’s tackle, which was described as a ‘terrible decision’ on his part, took place when the ball appeared to be going out of play. It was another nightmare situation for Konate, who has struggled this campaign.
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Referee Anthony Taylor initially ignored the calls for a penalty, but he was told to have another look by VAR. After consulting the pitch-side monitor, he overturned his decision and pointed to the spot.
Slot was unhappy with VAR’s intervention, stating there have been other occasions where it has not intervened.
While appearing on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher insisted it was the right call, saying: “The ball is definitely in play. Konate didn’t have to make that tackle.”
Ex-QPR star Jay Bothroyd also weighed in on the decision, criticising Konate’s choice to go in for the tackle. “Konate just has to stay on his feet,” he commented. He’s lunged in and not touched the ball. I really can’t understand it. It’s a terrible decision from Konate.”
Ex-Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted the penalty and two minutes later, Leeds were level through Anton Stach. The Reds thought they had got away with a victory when Dominik Szoboszlai scored a fine finish, only for Ao Tanaka to net a 95th minute equaliser from a set piece.
Reacting to the game-changing penalty decision, Slot said: “The ball went out, the player went down and there was contact. A lot of people will say it’s correct VAR intervened.
“The question is should VAR have interfered? Probably a lot of people would say that’s correct, but these same people should look at some games we have played in games this season when VAR didn’t come.”
The result has left Liverpool floundering in ninth position. The excellent start to the campaign, which saw the Reds win their first five matches including a win over Arsenal to top the table, feels like a long time ago.
Matters were not helped by Mohamed Salah blasting Slot in a fiery exchange with the press in the mixed zone of Elland Road. All eyes will be on Slot before the Reds face Inter Milan in the Champions League tomorrow evening.
