Fans Think Liverpool Were Lucky To Not Have Two Players Sent Off
Fans couldn't believe that Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara both got away with not being sent off during Liverpool's brilliant 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
There was lots of talk about the title decider ahead of the game, with Jamie Carragher claiming it was English football's 'greatest' ever rivalry.
Other talk surrounded referee Anthony Taylor, with the Reds' fans annoyed that a referee from Manchester was allowed to take charge, despite the 43-year-old supporting National League side Altrincham F.C.
Taylor didn't have too many big decisions to make for most of the game, as some great moments led to the two sides being level at 2-2.
Late in the game however things exploded into life for the officials, as Fabinho's challenge on Bernardo Silva in the 82nd minute asked some big questions, with the midfielder only picking up a yellow card.
Minutes later, Thiago was lucky that he didn't pick up a second yellow, as he seemed to take out Kevin de Bruyne, but Taylor this time didn't even give a foul.
Yes, Fabinho should have received a red card and Thiago should have received a second yellow card. pic.twitter.com/jY47r8Zj4c
- Has the Referee or VAR made a poor decision? (@PoorEPLreferees) April 10, 2022
That should've been a red for Fabinho pic.twitter.com/RzYJUcvqKQ
- :zap::flag_bw: (@Priceless_Silva) April 10, 2022
Hmmm pic.twitter.com/CEsYyDFNyu
- FinKitch (@FinKitch) April 10, 2022
You don't want to see red cards in this type of game but ... on another day Fabinho & Thiago could've walked within a couple of minutes of each other.
- Scott Saunders (@_scottsaunders) April 10, 2022
That Fabinho tackle is the same tackle Allan got a red card for.
- Lea (@Lea_EFC) April 10, 2022
One rule for them, another for us.
- Clearly onside goal
- D (@MagnificoMacca) April 10, 2022
- Fabinho red card
- Thiago 2nd yellow
All these calls not given. But it's ok, because Anthony Taylor is from Manchester. pic.twitter.com/w1q8fjc4vV
Horrible VAR system in PL, that was an easy red card for Fabinho #MCILIV
- هلالي 1990 (@hilalitolo) April 10, 2022
Fabinho should have collected red card for that challenge wtf :grimacing: Fabinho keeps getting away with it. #MCILIV pic.twitter.com/oY30vgn5GT
- S E U N:tm: The Last Garri Bender (@SeunGabrielO) April 10, 2022
Liverpool fans love an injustice - so how did Thiago and Fabinho NOT get red cards today ?? #MCILIV @premierleague
- waynesheffieldgm (@waynesheffiel14) April 10, 2022
This decision to award thiago a free kick here instead of a red is the most confusing pic.twitter.com/D3EXrgQhAK
- Ashanti Princ :flag_gh: (@_AshantiPrince_) April 10, 2022
Anthony Taylor when it's a dangerous challenge but then sees it's a Liverpool player.pic.twitter.com/wyr0OQaGF3
- Ridz:umbrella::tm: (@TheGoatTony9) April 10, 2022
Gentle reminder that this was given as a Liverpool free kick by Anthony Taylor pic.twitter.com/0nnyW1Xg1P
- Blue Moon Army (@blue_moon_army) April 10, 2022
I don't actually believe Anthony Taylor was actively trying to help LFC even though it ended up looking like that. I just think he was desperate not to give any big decisions that got remembered as the reason one team won the title. And that's a dreadful way to referee a match.
- ً (@FinlayCFC) April 10, 2022
City fans were also to remind everyone that in the first game between the two sides this season, which also finished 2-2, Liverpool were lucky not to be reduced to 10 men.
In that game, which included a superb goal by Mohamed Salah, former City player James Milner was on the receiving end of the refereeing decisions, as he didn't pick up a second yellow card.
On Sunday the game was again considered one of the game's of the season, as Kevin de Bruyne opened the scoring after just a few minutes.
Diogo Jota then equalised, before the Portugal forward nearly managed to nick the ball from Ederson in a moment of pure madness from the home team's goalkeeper.
Gabriel Jesus' goal gave the hosts a half time lead, before Salah's pass set up Sadio Mane in the first minute of the second half to make it 2-2.
Despite both sides having chances it remained that way, leaving Pep Guardiola's side still one point ahead of their rivals with seven games to go.
Topics: Manchester City, Liverpool, Premier League, Fabinho, Anthony Taylor, Thiago Alcantara
Ryan Sidle