Featured Image Credit: Image: BT Sport
Topics: Liverpool, Sadio Mane, Champions League, Jurgen Klopp
Josh Lawless
Topics: Liverpool, Sadio Mane, Champions League, Jurgen Klopp
Fans have been crying "LiVARpool" after Sadio Mane's goal against Villarreal was given despite a close offside call at Anfield.
After being frustrated by Unai Emery's side in the opening 45 minutes, Liverpool scored twice in two minutes early on in the second half of the Champions League semi-final first leg.
But the scoring was opened in the 53rd minute when a Jordan Henderson cross from the right was deflected in off Pervis Estupinan and goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli could only palm into his own goal.
Then, 1-0 became 2-0 in almost immediately as Mane latched onto a beautifully crafted Mo Salah pass to double Liverpool's lead.
There was a strong suspicion of offside but the mandatory VAR check ruled that Mane was onside - that decision coming despite many viewers disagreeing.
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The call - and how quickly it was made by those manning VAR - led to reaction aplenty on social media:
Many called out the perceived "double standards" in terms of offside decisions, pointing out that Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku and Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling were given offside in similarly tight calls in recent times.
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Next up for quadruple-chasing Liverpool is a lunchtime trip to in-form Newcastle on Saturday, before they travel to Villarreal for the semi-final second leg on Tuesday.