Campbell weighs in on Liverpool controversy as Virgil van Dijk fumes
Kevin Campbell has suggested Liverpool are hypocrites for complaining about the penalty awarded to Gabriel Jesus on Sunday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gunners and Everton striker claimed Mohamed Salah has “gone down under minimal contact” to win penalties on previous occasions.
Mikel Arteta’s side were awarded a late spot-kick against Liverpool when Thiago Alcantara kicked Jesus inside the box.
Referee Michael Oliver made the decision on the field and VAR chose not to intervene.
As quoted by the Daily Mail (9 October), Virgil van Dijk fumed over the incident which he claimed was “not a penalty.”
The decision ultimately cost Liverpool a point with the score finishing 3-2 to the Gunners.
When asked by Football Insider if Van Dijk was justified in his criticism of the decision, Campbell said: “Listen, Van Dijk is going to say that.
“The funny thing is, there has been times where Mo Salah has gone down under minimal contact and no Liverpool player or fan criticises that decision.
“No matter how soft it is, Thiago is running the risk because he kicked the man and missed the ball. Thiago made contact with the man not the ball. It allows the referee to make a decision.
“Thiago was running the risk. The referee had to make a decision. Yes, it is soft one but it is a penalty. He kicked through the opponent.”
In other news, a pundit has suggested Mohamed Salah could exit Liverpool next year after a transfer update from Egyptian journalist.