Tottenham supporters have criticised refereeing inconsistency after Arsenal's win over Liverpool, pointing to a clash that saw Noni Madueke avoid punishment.
In the closing stages of Sunday's Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Arsenal winger Noni Madueke clashed after Martin Odegaard had won a free-kick on the edge of his own box. As the pair went head-to-head, Mac Allister went to ground holding his face, alleging he had been head-butted by Madueke.
Officials explain decision
Referee Andy Madley showed Mac Allister and Jurrien Timber yellow cards but did not punish Madueke, who had already been booked earlier in the game. The Premier League's match centre issued a statement explaining the decision.
“The referee’s call of no violent conduct by Madueke on Mac Allister was checked and confirmed by VAR,” the statement read. “VAR: ‘All of the situations have been checked and cleared. There is some contact as Madueke and Mac Allister square-up. In my opinion, it's not forceful, not violent, not brutal’.”
Bentancur comparison
Despite the explanation, some Tottenham fans on social media have pointed out that Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off in similar fashion during the 1-1 draw with Manchester United last month.
Jamie Carragher, however, did not share the same view as the Tottenham fans and criticised Mac Allister's actions.
“I want Liverpool to win the game, but I'm delighted he [Madueke] didn't get sent off,” Carragher said on Sky Sports. “We have really got to be calling people out and saying 'this is embarrassing'. It's ridiculous and it's got to stop. I can't stand it. If someone puts their head back and butts, then red card. But if it's head-to-head and they touch, the other one goes down and the player gets sent off, as a game, call your own people out on it.”
“It's a joke from Mac Allister and it's got to stop. People are trying to gain an advantage because they can and red cards are being given for it. Whether it's Howard Webb, the Premier League, the managers getting together, this has got to stop.”
