Cardiff understandably felt hard done by
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was lucky to not be sent off as the Reds progressed into the fifth round of the FA Cup with victory over Cardiff City.
Jurgen Klopp’s men struggled to break down the Bluebirds in the first-half, but goals from Diogo Jota, Takumi Minamino and the retuning Harvey Elliott in the second period were enough to ensure they progressed to the fifth round.
Rubin Colwill pulled a goal back for the away side late into the match, but it was always going to be a consolation goal at that stage in the tie.
However, Steve Morison’s side will feel aggrieved that Liverpool’s shot-stopper Kelleher remained on the pitch after the Irishman collided with Mark Harris.
More controversy at Anfield as Kelleher avoids a red card after a VAR check for ‘serious foul play’
Right call? #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/OiSilDkkjd
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 6, 2022
Replays showed that the goalkeeper’s studs made contact with his Harris’ right leg – with Ibrahima Konate’s backtracking position preventing Kelleher from receiving his marching orders.
Referee Andrew Madley deemed the foul only worthy of a yellow card, with VAR agreeing with his decision and ruling that a clear and obvious error wasn’t made.
Rivals fans were quick to react to the incident, with the majority of viewers in agreement that the 23-year-old should have been sent off for the foul.
One user wrote: “Ridiculous decision”.
Ridiculous decision
— Alex Meek (@meeky91) February 6, 2022
Another added: “Reckless, endangering an opponent…. Oh yes it’s a Liverpool player. Carry on, nothing to see here.”
Reckless, endangering an opponent…. Oh yes it’s a Liverpool player. Carry on, nothing to see here. 🟥
— Paul (@prcor71) February 6, 2022
A third person wrote: “Sweet baby Jesus that’s a red card all day long”.
Sweet baby Jesus that’s a red card all day long
— TriumphOfDeath (@VictoryOfDeath) February 6, 2022
Another user agreed that the goalkeeper should’ve been shown a red card, adding: “No need for serious foul play when he’s the last defender!!! Red card!”
No need for serious foul play when he’s the last defender!!! Red card!
— A T (@aristin_t) February 6, 2022
Related links:
- Virgil Van Dijk gushes about Caoimhin Kelleher after Chelsea performance
- Ref Kevin Friend removed from PL officiating duty after ‘ridiculous’ Liverpool penalty
- Liverpool fans ‘disappointed’ with Andy Robertson tweet
