Liverpool winger Bradley Barcola risks disciplinary action after publicly criticising the refusal to award a penalty during France's victory over Belgium. The 24-year-old went to ground following a challenge from Nathan Ngoy, but the official did not point to the spot.
Speaking after the match, Barcola acknowledged the potential consequences of his remarks. "If I talk about it, I'm probably in trouble, but I have to say what I think," he said. "I felt the contact. I was inside the box and I was trying to continue the action."
Barcola calls for consistency
Barcola suggested the decision could have altered the outcome of the game. "Maybe the referee saw it differently, but from where I was, it affected the play. What frustrates me most is that these decisions can change a game. You work for 90 minutes and sometimes one moment decides everything," he added.
He stressed he was not complaining about officials in general, but wanted greater consistency. "I don't want to complain about referees in the Nations League or Premier League, I just want consistency. If there is contact and it affects the attacker, at least take another look. I'll probably get fined for saying this, but honestly, I thought it was a penalty," he said.
Liverpool eye Scotti
Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly tracking Uruguayan winger Nicolas Scotti, according to South American media. The 16-year-old made his Uruguay Under-18s debut in August, scoring a goal and providing an assist against Uzbekistan.
Scotti could reportedly be available for less than his £5.9million release clause, which may allow clubs with less financial power to compete. He has made several substitute appearances in the league for Defensor Sporting, the Montevideo club where Uruguay's 2010 World Cup players Sebastian Abreu and Maxi Pereira began their careers, but is yet to score a senior goal.
