Liverpool laboured to a 1-1 draw against Leicester City last night. The Reds may have extended their lead at the top of the table to five points but many felt it was two points dropped.
One incident that left many supporters frustrated, though, was referee Martin Atkinson’s decision not to give the Merseysiders a penalty in the second half.
Midfielder Naby Keita was brought down in the box by Leicester fullback Ricardo Pereira but Atkinson waved away protests.
Fans on Twitter felt that the penalty should have been awarded:
Stonewaller ??
— robbie coombes (@robbiecoombes1) 30 January 2019
It was a clear penalty buh naby kept the ball for long…he should’ve hit the ball anywhere
— A N D R E A S (@andyandreas28) 30 January 2019
Yes. All day long
— Christopher Howard (@ChrisEMHoward) 30 January 2019
VAR would have given it. End of.
— Nash Hon (@nshon) 30 January 2019
All day long without a doubt from the back of looked a push but I think he stood on him
— Catherwood jft 96 (formally Day) (@Catherw96287611) 30 January 2019
Even Ricardo knew it was a penalty
— Essuah 360 (@HuesYh) 31 January 2019
Put it this way next season it’s a pen all day long .
— puggy (@smallpug) 31 January 2019
Yes! Reality was though that Leicester were more effective than Livey. We have stuttered in the last two games. We miss more creativity in midfield and there is some rustiness despite a warm weather break. Hope we thaw to our best for run in.
— Ade (@adie7mo) 31 January 2019
Nailed on!
— Karl Yates (@karlyates1966) 31 January 2019
Absolutely nailed on and verified by var!!
— Liverbird #Sovereign (@jjcwow) 31 January 2019
After the game, manager Jurgen Klopp was asked about the penalty and he said he didn’t know why it wasn’t given:
“I think everybody agrees there could have been a penalty. It maybe should have been a penalty. I don’t know why it wasn’t a penalty.”.
“Have I spoken to the referee about it? No. I don’t think it will change anything, do you? That doesn’t help. Somebody has to ask him. I don’t know what he thought at that moment. I think he had the best position.”
Both Liverpool and Manchester City have difficult fixtures this weekend. The Red’s next game is on Monday night when they face West Ham away from home.
Following their defeat to Newcastle, City will be hosting Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.
