Sadio Mane was through on goal for Liverpool in this afternoon's Premier League clash against Manchester United when referee Paul Tierney decided to blow up early for half-time.
The Senegalese international managed to run in behind Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka at 45:54 seconds on the clock when Tierney blew his whistle, despite their being one minute of added time.
Liverpool midfielder Thiago, who has instrumental throughout the first-half for Jurgen Klopp's side, questioned the official's decision and put his hands to his face moments later.
The incident certainly caused outrage on social media.
I might be wrong but it looked a lot to me like Sadio Mane was in on goal when the ref blew his whistle for half-time then!
- David Lynch (@dmlynch) January 17, 2021
Sadio Mané was onside when he was in on goal but Paul Tierney decided to blow for HT early. pic.twitter.com/sRZLX1KVsU
- The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) January 17, 2021
Did I just see this right!? The ref blew for half time with Sadio Mane through on goal. Look at the timer... ♂️ #LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/gKYtcfvLev
- Jake Heasman (@jakeheasman) January 17, 2021
Sadio Mane through on goal and the referee blows his whistle before the 1 minute of added time is up? You couldn't make it up.
- Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) January 17, 2021
Sadio Mane was in on goal but, yes the referee had to blow the half-time whistle . This referee is doing a horrible job thus far. #LFC
- Nguvi Mberirua (@NguviNM) January 17, 2021
It was a poor first-half performance from United in particular and Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards criticised Solskjser's side for "dropping too deep" in the opening 45 minutes.
"I'm disappointed with Man United if I'm totally honest. " he said. "We know they are at Anfield, but they are dropping too deep. This is a team who are top of the league - take the game to Liverpool.
"It doesn't matter if they're champions - you can't win the league playing like that. They are good on the counter but Rashford has been offside seven or eight times in that first-half.
"I've talked them up, especially on the counter, but they ain't winning the league playing as negatively as that."
Let us know your thoughts on the Mane decision in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports
Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Sadio Mane