Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Sat 28 February 2026 16:59, UK

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Tim Robinson was the man with the whistle as Liverpool and West Ham clashed in a seven-goal thriller at Anfield.

It was goals-central on Saturday, 28 February, with the Reds racing into a three-goal lead in the opening 45 minutes, only for the visitors to stage a fightback far too late on Merseyside.

Tomas Soucek got Hammers’ hopes up just four minutes into the second half before Cody Gakpo and Taty Castellanos exchanged late strikes, only for an Axel Disasi own goal to wrap up the game.

With emotions running high, Robinson had plenty to contend with, and sadly for the referee, not all of his decisions were met with content supporters of Liverpool or West Ham.

Tomas Soucek avoids early caution at Anfield

In the 16th minute, Soucek was protesting a foul that had been given against him, but really, the midfielder was fortunate to avoid going into the referee’s notebook.

As Alexis Mac Allister attempted to clear the ball, just outside his own penalty area, the Czech international left a raised boot on the Liverpool man, and it appeared to be a painful one.

Robinson clearly took pity upon Soucek, but he was more than within his rights to award a yellow card.

Mateus Fernandes wins a questionable free-kick

Liverpool were in a very dangerous area, just outside the penalty area, with Ryan Gravenberch rising above Mateus Fernandes to win the ball back, only to be punished for his leap.

The West Ham midfielder earned his side a free-kick, bringing a halt to the attack, and while he was hurt in the incident, he definitely knew what he was doing when moving into Gravenberch’s path.

• Read more: David Sullivan and Karren Brady are facing pressure to resign at West Ham.

Tim Robinson bottles red card for Cody Gakpo

Already on a yellow card, Gakpo crashed into a late challenge on Disasi before having a word in his ear from the referee, who was clearly trying his best to keep all players on the pitch.

However, other players had gone into Robinson’s notebook for much softer challenges, sparking questions over why the Dutchman had not received his marching orders in the final few minutes.

West Ham fans, especially, have been left baffled by the decision. While it would not have made a difference to the result, it certainly raised questions over the level of officiating.