Liverpool
Keith Hackett
Sat 8 March 2025 20:18, UK
Mohamed Salah was right to question a Liverpool substitution during their win over Southampton, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that a club making too many substitutions by mistake is a genuine possibility.
Salah scored two penalties as Liverpool came from behind to beat Southampton 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday (8 March) to move ever closer to the Premier League title.
However, there was one moment late on that had left the Egyptian fearing a potential punishment for his side, although Hackett has hailed him for showing that concern.
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Liverpool make rare sixth substitution against Southampton
Moments after Salah had converted his second penalty to make it 3-1 to Liverpool after a handball from Southampton defender Yuki Sugawara, Jarell Quansah replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold for the hosts.
That represented a sixth substitution for Arne Slot‘s side, with Harvey Elliott, Alexis Mac Allister, Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota and Wataru Endo having all already come off the bench.
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While sides are usually only allowed five substitutes, Southampton had played an extra concussion substitute early in the game when Jan Bednarek was forced off after a collision with Ryan Manning.
Liverpool last five games Result
Aston Villa (A) Drew 2-2
Man City (A) Won 2-0
Newcastle (H) Won 2-0
PSG (A) Won 1-0
Southampton (H) Won 3-1
All competitions
That came just 20 minutes into the game, so when Quansah replaced Alexander-Arnold late on, Salah seemed to have forgotten and tried to stop Liverpool making that change to avoid punishment.
After having the situation explained to him by referee Lewis Smith, that change was completed without any concern for the Reds’ points tally.
Hackett though has praised Salah for making sure that extra Liverpool substitution was legal, due to ease with which such a change could be made by mistake.
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After being asked by Football Insider if it is possible an extra substitution could be made by accident, and who would be responsible for that should it happen, the former referee said: “It could easily happen and that is why the fourth official takes an active role to ensure that it does not.
“Before kick off both teams are handed an equal number of substitution cards. When making a substitution the completed form his handed to the 4th official who checks the name and number against a team sheet which is handed to the match referee one hour before kick off.
“Concussion subs are also recorded. These completed forms fine their way to the Premier League office. Good that Salah was alert to a possible problem and received the appropriate advice.”
Liverpool are next in action when they host PSG in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash on Tuesday (11 March).
Southampton meanwhile remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table ahead of their clash with Wolves on Saturday (15 March).
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