Liverpool secured a 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League, with goals from Alexander Isak, Andy Robertson and Florian Wirtz proving decisive for Arne Slot’s side.
Daniel Muñoz scored Palace’s goal in strange circumstances, as he kicked the ball into an empty net after Freddie Woodman was seen signalling that he was injured and could not get to his feet before the full-back let fly.
The Reds’ players appeared to stop, believing the referee would signal for Woodman to receive treatment for his knee or that the Palace full-back would kick the ball out of play in an act of sportsmanship.
However, there is no requirement for the referee to stop play unless it is a head injury, and Palace were entitled to continue unless the officials signalled otherwise.
There was a feeling of anger and frustration around Anfield following this and upon seeing the reaction of CEO Billy Hogan to their protest about the rise in ticket prices during the 13th minute.
Fans of the Reds will have had a rollercoaster of emotions this afternoon as they may have witnessed the last time that Mohamed Salah pulls on a Liverpool shirt at Anfield.
The Egyptian international was forced off the pitch with what appeared to be a hamstring injury as he clutched that area of his body before being substituted midway through the second half, which will have been a worrying gesture to Slot as he knows the importance of his attacker in their hunt for Champions League qualification.
Salah signalled that he may believe this to be his last game for Liverpool as he reciprocated the wild and appreciative clap from the Anfield crowd as he walked off the pitch.
Egypt have been drawn in the same group as Belgium, Iran and New Zealand for the World Cup this summer, with it set to kick off in seven weeks, and Salah will want to be fully fit for this competition.
This may suggest that he has played his final minutes for the Reds, as he will need to get the injury assessed and go through the rehabilitation and rest period before attempting to regain fitness ahead of the World Cup but without risking missing the international competition.
It will not have been the way Salah would have wanted to end his Liverpool career, in which he has won two Premier League titles and a Champions League, breaking several records in the process.
So, if he has a chance to return to Liverpool action and give the supporters a more fitting send-off, it is likely he will try.