Liverpool’s Champions League setback in Istanbul has sparked debate, with former ahead Neil Mellor suggesting the Reds had been undone by officiating quite than being outplayed.
Mellor factors to penalty name in Galatasaray conflict
Talking on X, Mellor stated: “A recreation Liverpool didn’t should lose. Determined by a shocker of a penalty choice.”
The incident got here within the first half when French referee Clement Turpin awarded Galatasaray a penalty after Dominik Szoboszlai’s problem on Baris Alper Yilmaz.
Simply moments earlier, Hugo Ekitike was hauled again contained in the field however stayed on his toes.
Mellor highlighted the distinction: “Hugo Ekitike may go down when defender pulls his arm within the field…stays on toes and probability missed.
“20 seconds later there’s a slight contact on Yilmaz, he goes down – and ref provides the pen.”
Osimhen transformed the spot kick to provide the hosts the lead, and regardless of the introduction of Mo Salah and Alexander Isak, Liverpool couldn’t discover a method again.
Liverpool’s VAR second and Mellor’s verdict
The sport virtually turned when Ibou Konate went down within the space late on, with the referee initially awarding us a penalty. Nevertheless, after a swift VAR evaluation, the choice was overturned.
On that incident, Mellor was extra optimistic: “Need to credit score the ref/officers on this pen although. He gave it on subject.
“Went to the monitor. Checked out it as soon as quite than over and over and immediately knew and adjusted his thoughts. Good use of VAR.”
It leaves Liverpool with back-to-back defeats after the Crystal Palace loss, with questions additionally raised concerning the affect of £116m signing Florian Wirtz.
The German has been highlighted by Jamie Carragher and with Alisson, who was compelled off injured, being criticised for his health – each storylines add to the challenges dealing with Arne Slot as we put together for Chelsea.
As Mellor’s feedback underline, the advantageous margins in Europe can swing video games, and Liverpool will know we should reply shortly if we’re to get again on observe domestically and in Europe.
You’ll be able to watch Slot’s full post-Galatasaray press convention through Empire of the Kop on YouTube:
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