Liverpool news: Ex-Fifa official ‘wowed’ by controversial Alisson footage missed by Sky cameras
Leeds United should have had a penalty in their 6-0 loss to Liverpool on Wednesday night (23 February), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee was baffled that the officials missed Alisson’s challenge on Dan James in the opening exchanges.
The incident, missed by the Sky Sports highlights posted to YouTube, came in the sixth minute when Alisson took a heavy touch after a backpass from Virgil van Dijk.
James seemed to poke the ball away before being brought down by the Liverpool goalkeeper as he tried to launch the ball clear.
The scores were level at the time but the hosts went on to score six, including two penalties of their own, to cut the gap at the top of the table to three points.
Asked for his verdict after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley, Hackett said: “Wow, how did they not see that?
“That’s a definite foul on James and it’s a penalty kick.
“I’d be inclined just to give a penalty kick and not a red card. The reason being is that for it to be a red card you want the ball to be moving towards the goal and the probability of James securing possession.
“It’s a penalty kick for definite and they got away with that. That’s enough of a punishment.”
Liverpool are next in action on Sunday (27 February) when they travel to Wembley to face Chelsea in the EFL Cup final.
Alisson has only played once in the competition so far this season with Caoimhin Kelleher preferred in the earlier rounds.
In other news, Liverpool could sign the next Mohamed Salah after an ‘exceptional’ update.