Liverpool news: Pundit slams ‘fitness’ of John Moss as Trent Alexander-Arnold footage analysed
Keith Hackett has swiped at Jon Moss’ “fitness” despite an “excellent” refereeing performance in West Ham’s defeat to Liverpool.
The former Fifa and Premier League official, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Sunderland-born referee needs to work on his mobility to be more “consistent”.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day programme (5 March), Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick free-kick released Mohamed Salah through on goal after Nikola Vlasic strayed offside.
Hackett hailed Moss for allowing Liverpool to “get on with it” and not “over-interfering”.
However, he insisted the 51-year-old would be a “much better referee” if he were “fitter and more mobile”.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Connor Whitley: “One of the things I’m always telling young referees is don’t over-interfere.
“The law allows players to take a quick free-kick. This was an excellent example of the ball being put down in the vicinity of the offence and just getting on with it.
“I always think with Jon Moss that if he was fitter and more mobile, he would be a much better referee. I think this particular game showed what he can achieve and what he can actually do.
“He needs to be more consistent. He should work on it, that’s why he’s a professional.”
Moss has been a Premier League referee since 2011.
Liverpool saw off West Ham thanks to a first-half Sadio Mane strike.
However, Moss needed VAR to make a call on a very tight offside decision.
In other news, it can be revealed Liverpool are on course to make a “phenomenal” £550million announcement.