Rousing The Kop exclusive.
Liverpool believed they should have been a man to the good against Brighton on Saturday after a reckless challenge from Diego Gomez.
The Reds were ahead inside the first minute at Anfield, Hugo Ekitike giving them the perfect start with an excellent touch and finish.
From there, Liverpool allowed Brighton back into the game, with Gomez forcing a crucial, point-blank save from Alisson Becker shortly after.
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Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Brighton in the Premier League at Anfield.
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And Gomez was at the centre of attention once again at the end of an entertaining first-half. With Liverpool failing to fully defend a ball into their box, Florian Wirtz eventually got it clear. Gomez attempted to block him, going in high on the German.
The Paraguayan was duly given a yellow card which was upheld following a VAR review. While Liverpool supporters felt a red should have been issued, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has exclusively explained to RTK why a yellow was the right decision.
Diego Gomez challenge lacked speed and malice
As the VAR checked Gomez’s challenge in the Liverpool box, many watching on had likely expected the colour to change from yellow to red.
But according to Clattenburg, the tackle lacked either the speed or malice to qualify for a sending off.
Diego Gomez has a shot saved by Alisson Becker during Liverpool vs Brighton in the Premier League at Anfield.
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“Florian Wirtz is caught by the boot of Diego Gomez which catches him in the stomach after playing the ball outside of the penalty area,” says the former official.
“The result of the challenge is a yellow card for dangerous play. This decision I agree on as it certainly looks worse in slow motion.
“To meet the criteria of a red card, there must be malice, force and speed. Not all the criteria is met in my opinion as the challenge lacks speed and malice and Gomez is a split second away from playing a ball in the air.”
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Gomez decision could have been decisive
Ultimately, Gomez’s non-sending off did not have a bearing on Saturday’s result as Liverpool picked up a big win over Brighton.
However, it almost looked like it could have been a turning point early in the second-half when the 22-year-old missed a glorious opportunity to bring the Seagulls level.
Gomez somehow put past Alisson’s left-hand post when sliding in to bury a brilliant Yankuba Minteh cross.
Had the Paraguay international scored – as he should have – Liverpool fans would have been up in arms about his earlier indiscretion.
According to Clattenburg, however, such uproar would have been unjustified.
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