Liverpool defender Andy Robertson was wiped out by Lautaro Martinez during the Reds’ Champions League clash with Inter
Mark Clattenberg believes that referee Felix Zwayer made the right decision NOT to show Lautaro Martinez a red card for his late tackle on Andy Roberton during Liverpool’s trip to Inter Milan.
In the 13th minute, Robertson went down following a rash challenge from Martinez. The Inter forward attempted to win the ball but ended up catching the Liverpool left-back, who got there first and went tumbling to the deck.
There were calls from some for Martinez to be given a red card, but Zwayer opted to book the Argentina international. VAR had another look at the incident but agreed with the referee’s initial call and didn’t intervene.
Delivering his verdict on the incident, ex-Premier League referee Clattenberg said on Amazon Prime Video’s coverage of the game: “It would have been a different type of challenge if he had went in with his studs.
“He tries to pull away by pulling his legs away and that’s why he hits him with his knee even though it still injures the player. But I think it would have been a different colour, it could have been a red card if he had went in with his studs but I agree with a yellow card for this type of challenge.”
Alan Shearer added: “He goes in early, he makes his mind up early what he is doing but he does actually tuck his legs in and go in with his shins rather than his studs. Still, it’s a nasty challenge though.”
Liverpool, without the missing Mohamed Salah, made a bright start to proceedings at San Siro. Indeed, Arne Slot’s side dominated the opening half an hour and created a number of chances to score.
After missing several opportunities, the Reds thought they had opened the scoring in the 31st minute. Ibrahima Konate stabbed the ball home from close range after Ekitike won the first contact.
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