Liverpool progressed to the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 victory over Barnsley on Monday night, but the match was overshadowed by a moment of sheer madness from goalscorer Dominik Szoboszlai that drew a stinging accusation of disrespect from the League One side's manager.
A Moment of Madness Mars Liverpool Win
Despite opening the scoring with a spectacular 35-yard strike and seeing Jeremie Frimpong double the lead, Dominik Szoboszlai turned from hero to villain with a bizarre decision in his own penalty area. Chasing back to defend, the Hungarian midfielder inexplicably attempted a risky backheel pass to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili instead of making a simple clearance.
The ill-judged flick was intercepted, allowing former Liverpool academy player Adam Phillips to steal in and score a dream goal in front of the Kop. The error offered Barnsley an unexpected lifeline in the tie at Anfield on Monday 12 January 2026.
Hourihane's Fury at 'Disrespectful' Act
After the final whistle, Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane did not hold back in his criticism of Szoboszlai's actions. He suggested the Liverpool star would not have attempted such a flashy move against more prestigious opposition.
"It is such an amazing feeling for Adam scoring in front of the Kop. Liverpool fan, coming through the academy," said Hourihane. "It's something he can look back on for the rest of his life. But it was a little bit disrespectful from their player, to be honest. I don't think he does that against Chelsea or Arsenal or in a Champions League game."
Hourihane expressed immense pride in his team's performance, noting that Liverpool "had to bring on every superstar on the bench to get it over the line." Barnsley's resistance was finally broken in the 84th minute by £116million summer signing Florian Wirtz, with £79m Hugo Ekitike adding a fourth in added time.
Slot's Private Rebuke for Costly Error
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot addressed the media before Hourihane and chose to keep his counsel public, but confirmed he would be speaking privately to Szoboszlai about the incident.
"I have my opinion that I will definitely share with him," Slot stated. "It is not the first time... we are 2-0 up, there are no problems in the game and we concede a sloppy or an easy goal, but this stands out even for us."
Slot emphasised the psychological impact of such errors, explaining that conceding a cheap goal "gives a big difference in mindset for the other team" and is "definitely not helpful for us." He did, however, pay tribute to a Barnsley side sitting 17th in League One, praising their gameplan and desire.
The victory extended Liverpool's unbeaten run to 11 matches and set up a fourth-round home tie with Brighton, but the post-match discussion was firmly centred on one moment of unnecessary flair that nearly proved very costly.
