Despite Liverpool having already secured the Premier League crown, their latest clash with Arsenal wasnβt short of controversy. The 2-2 draw at Anfield was high on drama, but one incident in particular is causing waves in the football worldβformer top-flight referee Keith Hackett insists that Liverpoolβs Andy Robertson shouldβve been sent off for violent conduct.
The match began with Liverpool dominating the first half. Quick-fire goals from Cody Gakpo and Luis DΓaz gave the Reds a 2-0 advantage heading into halftime. But Arsenal bounced back in the second half, with Gabriel Martinelli pulling one back before Mikel Merino grabbed the equalizerβonly to be later sent off for a second yellow card.
While Merinoβs dismissal made headlines, Hackett believes a bigger offense went unnoticed. He pointed to an incident in the first half where Andy Robertson allegedly grabbed Arsenal star Bukayo Saka around the neck while challenging for a long ball. Referee Anthony Taylor waved play on, and VAR did not intervene.
Hackett, who has long voiced concern over the inconsistency in officiating, was adamant on social media: βThis was a red card offence. I wrote about it immediately.β He criticized both Taylor and VAR officials for ignoring what he sees as a clear case of violent conduct, stating that such missed calls βundermine fairness and impact player creativity.β
Despite Hackettβs strong opinion, his take hasnβt been universally accepted. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher publicly disagreed, stating on Sky Sports: βI just canβt see how that can possibly be a red card.β He suggested the incident lacked the necessary aggression or intent to merit dismissal.
The differing expert opinions have reignited debates over officiating standards and VARβs role in high-stakes games. While Hackettβs remarks have sparked discussion, the incident has not gained major traction, leaving fans divided and Robertson in the clearβat least officially.
