‘Liverpool should appeal Dominik Szoboszlai red card vs Man City – here’s why’
Liverpool could be successful in an appeal against the red card shown to Dominik Szoboszlai after his last-ditch challenge against Man City.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Reds may be able to find a loophole in the current laws and use it to their advantage.
It is not the first time that Arne Slot has been without Szoboszlai due to suspension, and currently, he will be unavailable to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, 11 February.
Szoboszlai stunned Anfield with an incredible free-kick, but in the closing stages, he went from hero to zero when tugging Erling Haaland‘s shirt as the striker attempted to shepherd the ball into an empty net.
Dominik Szoboszlai could have hope of an appeal over Man City red card
The entire situation caused a lot of controversy on Merseyside, with Rayan Cherki‘s goal being chalked off in the 10th minute of added time, seven minutes after Haaland scored the winner from the penalty spot.
In addition to the disallowed goal, Liverpool fans felt that Marc Guehi should have been sent off for a last-man challenge on Mohamed Salah, but calls for a red card fell on deaf ears at Anfield.
Instead, the Citizens left with all three points, with the Reds also sent down to 10 men, but it is believed that the red card could be appealed based on a technicality.
Although Craig Pawson never appeared to signal for advantage in the closing play, the current laws state that should advantage be played during a denial of a goalscoring opportunity, it is a yellow card, not red.
Liverpool must take advantage of a loophole in the law
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “We didn’t get a signal from Craig Pawson to say he was playing advantage, but frankly, I wouldn’t expect one.
“Common sense says that he’s allowing play to continue. He goes back to the denial of a goalscoring opportunity and shows a red card.
“That all seems very logical and correct. But I’m reminded of the advantage law, which says that if the offence denies a goalscoring opportunity, the player is cautioned for unsporting behaviour.
“The question is, did Craig Pawson, in his actions, apply advantage? In my opinion, he did, just without an apparent signal. If he’s applied advantage, the law says it should be a yellow card, not a red.
“Liverpool, if I were them, should appeal that red card. I would appeal on the basis that advantage was played because play was allowed to continue.”