Liverpool boss Arne Slot joined Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane in slamming Dominik Szoboszlai for a "disrespectful" moment in the FA Cup third round tie.
Liverpool ran out 4-1 winners at Anfield, with Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike all on target with a high caliber of goals.
But it was far from plain-sailing, with Barnsley giving a strong account of themselves. The Tykes pulled one back to make it 2-1 before half-time when former Liverpool academy player and boyhood fan Adam Phillips received a gift from Szoboszlai.
The Hungarian had the ball in the six yard box and fluffed his attempt of a bizarre backheel, allowing Phillips to steal and slot home in front of the Kop.
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The decision from Szoboszlai was widely criticised, with Hourihane not happy with the action.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: "I was a little bit disappointed with our goal, if I'm honest, because I felt, you know, I don't think the player does that against Chelsea or against Arsenal or in a Champions League game. So I was a little bit disappointed with that, if I'm honest.
"I don't think he does that in a Premier League game against Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Champions League game, I don't think he does that."
Slot was asked about the moment of madness in his post-match interview, with Hourihane's view relayed to him. The Dutchman was in agreement with his opposite number and branded Szoboszlai's choice "weird" and revealing he would speak to the midfielder.
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"I don't think you should do that in an FA Cup game, a league game, a friendly game or a training game," Slot stated.
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"It was a weird choice. I have my opinion on it but I'll keep it to myself and speak to Dom."
TNT Sports pundits agreed that Szoboszlai would not have repeated his mistake in a more high-profile game.
Szoboszlai, arguably Liverpool's best performer this season, issued an apology on a TV interview with TNT Sports after the game.
"Sorry to the team again, I made it hard for us, with an easy mistake I would say. But football happens, we move on and take the next round.”
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Liverpool, who were drawn against Brighton in the fourth round, return to action on Saturday when they host Burnley in the Premier League.
Topics: Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool
Josh Lawless