Exclusive: Keith Hackett reacts to Liverpool controversy as footage re-analysed
Liverpool have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Plymouth Argyle after Harvey Elliott conceded a penalty in the second half of the fourth-round tie.
The 21-year-old was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box by referee Sam Barrott on 53 minutes, with Plymouth forward Ryan Hardie stepping up to score the resulting spot-kick.
Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider the referee was ideally positioned to award the penalty.
Harvey Elliott-Plymouth footage re-analysed by ex-PGMOL chief
Hardie sent Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way, with the ball nestling in the bottom corner.
Plymouth defended superbly to limit the Premier League side, who started the game with Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa in the forward positions, to few opportunities in front of goal.
Liverpool were unable to find an equaliser in the game, with Hardie’s penalty securing his side’s place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Hackett insisted the referee was correct to award the all-important spot-kick to Plymouth.
He told Football Insider: “Referee Sam Barrott was ideally positioned to correctly award a penalty kick to Plymouth.
“Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott had his hands above his head when the ball struck him.
“Clearly, his silhouette was made bigger by his raised hand.”
Liverpool fans tear into Harvey Elliott after his performance at Plymouth
It was an afternoon to forget for the majority of the Liverpool players in their defeat at Home Park.
Although Arne Slot named a reasonably strong side, several fringe players were given a chance to show why they deserve more first-team opportunities.
The defeat has now ruined Liverpool’s chances of recording a historic quadruple this season following their strong first half of the campaign.
The Dutch manager decided to leave several first-team stars at home for the tie, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The trio could be heading into their final few months at Anfield as their contracts are due to expire in June.
Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold are not close to agreeing new deals despite holding talks with Liverpool chiefs.
Slot’s side will face Everton for the final time at Goodison Park on Wednesday (12 February), where they will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points.
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