Liverpool took a step closer to the Champions League next season with a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday but a moment of controversy made for a nervy finish at Anfield
Andy Robertson celebrates what may be his final Anfield goal
Andy Robertson celebrates what may be his final Anfield goal
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Andy Robertson reckons the finger of blame should be pointed at referee Andy Madley rather than Daniel Munoz after the Crystal Palace wing-back's controversial strike left Anfield calling him a "cheat".
Liverpool moved closer to securing a top five finish and a place in next season's Champions League with a 3-1 win over the Eagles. Robertson himself had scored Liverpool's second - five minutes after Alexander Isak's 35th minute opener - to put the Reds in command.
But they were made to endure a nervy finish when Colombia international Munoz scored for the visitors, finding the net with deputising Liverpool 'keeper Freddie Woodman down injured. Woodman had thwarted Ismaila Sarr one-on-one but caught his knee in the turf and was calling for treatment. Play continued and Munoz lifted the ball into an unguarded net.
Liverpool players and Arne Slot were understandably furious, as were Liverpool supporters who made their feelings known with chants of "cheat, cheat".
But Robertson insisted post-match that Munoz should escape blame. He said: "I don't think he looks up. Woody went down, tried to get back up and went down again. Munoz is looking down trying to concentrate on kicking the ball.
"My opinion is the ref should stop the game but goalkeepers are protected too much by the refs. Thankfully, we were the ones who scored the next and not them."
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, speaks with Referee, Andy Madley
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, speaks with Referee, Andy Madley
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Robertson's view echoed that of Kop boss Arne Slot, who voiced his frustration to Match of the Day, declaring: "The number of times I've played against a team and then a player is on the floor and the referee blows the whistle. It happened against Man Utd when Mac Allister was on the floor, they played on and Macca needed five stitches afterwards.
"I don't blame them, by the way, the referee should stop the game.
"It's going to become a tactic to pretend you're injured so the referee stops the play. He did it about four times today.
"Munoz, I think it's 50-50 because some players wouldn't have taken the shot. Some players would stop and some would score. I don't blame him as much as I blame the referee."
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Florian Wirtz ultimately made the three points safe in the 95th minute but things could have been different had third-choice stopper Woodman - deputising for injured duo Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili - not made a number of fine stops earlier in the afternoon.
"I thought he was outstanding," added Robertson. "The lads and coaching staff had so much faith in him because we see him every day. I'm just gutted he didn't get the clean sheet."
Freddie Woodman of Liverpool celebrates victory
Freddie Woodman of Liverpool celebrates victory(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
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Robertson was also delighted to score what may well prove to be his final Anfield goal, with the Scotland captain leaving the club at the end of the season.
"It was like a striker's finish," said the Scot. "Unbelievable. There are only four games. Two left at home and I want to enjoy every minute the manager gives me on the pitch.
"It was a great moment for me. I'm sure the next two home games will be special for me and Mo and at least we can leave with the club in a great position."