Liverpool news: Pundit ‘baffled’ as Fabinho controversy analysed – ‘there was intent’
Paul Robinson is baffled as to why Karim Benzema’s first-half strike against Liverpool was ruled out for offside.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one is adamant the goal should have stood as Fabinho made a deliberate tackle.
As shown on BT Sport (28 May), Benzema thought he’d given Real Madrid the lead in the Champions League final but the linesman’s flag was up.
A lengthy VAR check followed to determine whether Fabinho had made a deliberate pass as opposed to a deflection.
The decision would ultimately prove to be insignificant with Carlo Ancelotti’s side eventual 1-0 winners in Paris.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the controversial first-half incident, Robinson said: “Nobody knows what went on.
“Even now I’m baffled. I just cannot see how he was offside.
“I think it was a discussion as to whether the contact was intentional or not. That is what it came down to.
“They judged it was a deflection rather than an intentional play. But Fabinho slid in for a tackle so he obviously meant to play the ball. He intended to hit the ball. There was intent.
“I’m scratching my head as to why it was given offside.
“For all of the talk about some people not knowing the offside rule… I have been in football for 25 years but I don’t understand it if that is offside.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Liverpool are to make a £217million-plus announcement after Billy Hogan claim