Liverpool face Tottenham in the Premier League with Trent Alexander-Arnold prompting an early penalty discussion between Mike Dean and Gary Neville
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been at the centre of the action for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images2024 Liverpool FC)
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean saw nothing in the challenge made by Trent Alexander-Arnold early on during Tottenham vs Liverpool. The full-back nudged James Maddison off the ball in the 18-yard box, with home supporters shouting for a penalty.
The Reds have travelled to North London for their final Premier League match before Christmas Day. They know they will be top of the table regardless of the result after a helping hand from Everton holding Chelsea to a 0-0 stalemate.
Luis Diaz put Arne Slot's side ahead against Spurs midway through the first half, assisted by a sublime Alexander-Arnold cross. However, before that the vice-captain was caught up in a contentious moment with only ten minutes on the clock.
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As the hosts attacked looking to find the opening goal at the time, Alexander-Arnold chased down England team-mate James Maddison towards the byline. He brought his right arm up towards the back of the midfielder, who went to ground with fans in that corner of the stadium begging for a spot-kick.
"He took a little bit of a chance, Trent Alexander-Arnold. It was a little clumsy I felt. No need to do it, just that there, that right arm," said a suspicious Gary Neville on commentary duty for Sky Sports.
Bringing in Sky's expert on these refereeing issues, Dean, the former official surmised: "Not enough [contact], really. I think he’s felt him in his back and down quite easily."
This evening's on-field referee, 31-year-old Sam Barrott, clearly felt the same as he waved to the Spurs player to get up and paid no attention to the so-called 'controversy'.
At half-time Liverpool lead 3-1 and the Premier League have seen fit not to release a statement on the call, as is usually the case through their official match centre account on X.