Liverpool supporters were left frustrated after footage showed Arsenal defender Gabriel speaking with referee Andy Madley at half-time during Arsenal's 1-0 win at Anfield.
Kai Havertz's goal proved decisive, but Liverpool felt several decisions went against them, including a penalty appeal for a pull on Alexander Isak by Jurrien Timber, which was checked by VAR and cleared. Cody Gakpo also had a penalty appeal waved away.
Tunnel exchange sparks anger
Before the second half, Gabriel was seen in discussion with Madley in the tunnel and exchanged a fist bump with the official before walking out. The footage prompted a strong reaction on social media, with one fan posting: "This referee clearly had a favourite. Liverpool got robbed in broad daylight." Another wrote: "Couldn’t be more blatant."
Iraola calls for players to go down
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, who suffered his second defeat at Anfield this season, was adamant that the Isak incident warranted a penalty. He said the Swede's failure to react counted against him.
Asked whether Isak should have gone to ground, Iraola replied: "It’s a shame you ask me this question but, honestly, yes, we have to tell them to go down because they’re not going to call it otherwise."
He added: "And then referees complain why they go down. Because if you don’t go down, you don’t call it. I think Alex is honest. He tries to go for the ball, everyone can see live straight away there is a clear, clear pull."
