Liverpool 29-year-old compared to Vinnie Jones as controversy analysed – ex-Fifa official
Keith Hackett has compared Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane to Wimbledon midfielder Vinnie Jones.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League official claimed Mane, 29, “has a naughty streak in him” and urged referees to be “more aware.”
The Senegal international has conceded 40 fouls in the Premier League this season, the most of any Liverpool player and the ninth highest in the division. [Premier League]
In Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Arsenal on 20 November, the winger caused managers Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta to clash on the touchline when he caught Takehiro Tomiyasu with his elbow.
Mane was not punished by the referee for his actions, much to the dismay of Arsenal.
When asked by Football Insider for a referees viewpoint on Mane, Hackett said: “Mane gets away with it, absolutely.
“He has a bit of a naughty streak in him and gets away with it. I’m sure of this.
“In my day, we refereed the likes of Vinnie Jones and Lawrie Sanchez who had a certain reputation. Everybody’s eyes were focused on them. They would put in the harsh challenges.
“It is nothing new. Referees just need to be more aware of who the offenders are.”
Mane has been one of the Reds’ standout players this season and has contributed 14 goals and two assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.
His contract at Anfield runs until the summer of 2023.
In other news, a finance guru has tipped Liverpool to push for a major change in summer talks after a £89million reveal.