Pundit slams senior figure for ‘hiding’ after controversial Jota-Liverpool footage analysed via Sky
Paul Robinson has accused Kevin Friend of “hiding behind VAR” after awarding Liverpool a controversial penalty against Crystal Palace.
The former England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it was a “dubious” decision to penalise Vicente Guaita for a collision with Diogo Jota.
As relayed by Sky Sports (23 January) Friend did not initially award the spot kick but reversed his decision after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Fabinho converted the penalty to seal a 3-1 win for the Reds.
Robinson admitted it was “harsh” to penalise Palace after Jota appeared to initiate the contact.
He insisted Friend “hid” behind VAR to give the spot-kick.
Robinson told Football Insider’s Dylan Childs: “As it wasn’t given on the field, it’s one that was dubious to overturn. It’s a matter of opinion.
“When you are dealing with VAR, you are dealing with opinion. The referee, in all honesty, hid behind VAR, hoping that would come to some sort of a decision or rescue him.
“Then he was facing a decision when VAR told him to have a look. From a goalkeeper’s point of view, it is harsh. However, I can see why it was given in all honesty.
“Jota is a player who’s in form at the moment. From a goalkeeper’s point of view, it is difficult. If it is given on the field, it is hard to overturn.”
Liverpool’s win means they currently sit second in the Premier League table.
The Reds’ next game sees them face Cardiff City in the FA Cup.
Meanwhile, Palace are 13th in the league, nine points clear of the relegation zone.
In other news, pundit salutes ‘brilliant’ Liverpool ‘new signing’ after training ground reveal.