Liverpool got a vital three points against Crystal Palace, but it was a nervy affair after Daniel Munoz’s controversial goal.
It was contentious because he kicked the ball into an empty Liverpool net with Freddie Woodman injured on the floor. By the letter of the law, it was a goal, but the lack of sportsmanship had everyone in Anfield rather pressed.
That scenario has unfolded many a time over the years in the Premier League, with an example from Paolo Di Canio explaining why Liverpool fans were so displeased.
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Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Premier League
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Paolo Di Canio vs Everton and Daniel Munoz vs Liverpool
The Di Canio incident came at Goodison Park in December 2000, with West Ham drawing 1-1 against Everton late in the game.
Everton goalkeeper Paul Gerrard came racing out of his goal and went down injured, leaving the net completely exposed. West Ham still had the ball, and Trevor Sinclair clipped a cross into the box towards Di Canio, who had every chance to score what would likely have been a late winner.
Instead, Di Canio caught the ball with both hands and immediately called for Gerrard to receive treatment.
Paolo Di Canio of West Ham United celebrates an important three points gained
Photo by Ben Radford/Getty Images
The Italian was not forced to do it. The referee had not blown his whistle, the ball was still in play, and West Ham could have taken full advantage. But he recognised the situation for what it was and chose the sporting route.
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That is the standard Liverpool fans would have wanted from Munoz at Anfield. The Palace defender was entitled to finish the chance, and by the letter of the law, the goal was allowed to stand. But it would have been a poor way to influence the result on the day.
Thankfully for Liverpool, it did not prove costly. Arne Slot’s side still found a way through the tension and secured a huge 3-1 win for Liverpool against Palace, with Florian Wirtz producing a late moment of brilliance to settle everything down.
That made the controversy easier to digest, but Munoz is not likely to be popular with this fanbase for the foreseeable future.
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