Tottenham interim head coach Ryan Mason believes he is entitled to an explanation as to why Diogo Jota was still on the field for Liverpool’s added-time winner after his head-high challenge on Oliver Skipp drew only a yellow card
The Portugal international scored 99 seconds later to secure a 4-3 victory after Richarlison thought his first Premier League goal for the club had secured a late away draw after Spurs rallied from 3-0 down.
Mason, on the other hand, was perplexed that the substitute’s high boot, which cut Skipp’s head, did not result in a red card.
“I’d like an explanation and to know why it wasn’t. “I understand referees on the field missing it,” he explained.
“My gut reaction was an instant red card because when your foot is five and a half feet off the ground and makes contact with a gash, it checks all the boxes.”
“We want the VAR to assist the official on the field at that time, but an experienced referee and the VAR have not provided it.”
Mason was even more frustrated after his team came back from conceding goals to Curtis Jones, Luis Diaz, and Mohamed Salah in the first 15 minutes to draw level in the third minute of added time after Richarlison added to goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
“We come here and create so many opportunities,” he explained. “On another day, we’d win with ease.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was also dissatisfied with some of the officiating, so much so that he strained his hamstring while sprinting down the touchline in front of fourth official John Brooks.
Klopp’s beef was with referee Paul Tierney, but his post-game comments may land him in hot water.
“Tierney and I have a history.” I’m not sure what he has against us. “He claims there is no problem, but that cannot be true,” he tells Sky Sports.
“I don’t understand how he looks at me. My celebration was unnecessary, which is understandable, but what he said to me when he gave me the yellow card was unacceptable.”
Klopp refused to reveal what Tierney had told him.
Klopp said of his celebration in front of the fourth official, “Of course, we are emotional in these moments.” It’s challenging. That is not acceptable; we should not do so.
“I didn’t say anything to the fourth official… but I probably pulled my hamstring at that moment, so I’m already punished.”
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) were quick to refute Klopp’s claim that he was addressed inappropriately.
“Match officials in the Premier League are recorded in all games via a communications system,” the statement said, “and having fully reviewed the audio of referee Paul Tierney from today’s fixture, we can confirm he acted in a professional manner throughout.”
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