Liverpool were once again firmly in the firing line as a penalty decision caused much controversy amongst fans and pundits alike.
The Reds were awarded a spot-kick late on when Diogo Jota collided with Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita in the area.
Despite the ball still being within reach and the Portuguese ace being stopped in his tracks, there was conjecture as to whether the penalty would be awarded.
Following a lengthy VAR consultation and referee Kevin Friend’s own check at the monitor, Fabinho was given the chance from 12 yards and the Brazilian duly obliged.
That wasn’t the ned of matters however as Jermaine Jenas and Micah Richards on MOTD2 branded the decision ‘ridiculous’ as many on Twitter took a firm stance.
That is a genuinely appalling decision.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 23, 2022
CPFC should request a PL investigation into that Liverpool game. Worst VAR/referee decision I’ve ever seen.
Either VAR doesn’t work and should be scrapped or there was corruption at play to try and keep the title race close.#CPFC— Jim Piddock (@realjimpiddock) January 23, 2022
Repeat question. When are refs going to be brave enough to go to a monitor and tell VAR : “ You know what ? I’m sticking with my decision” ? The Palace v Liverpool one embarrassing.
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) January 23, 2022
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s stars were focused on the result and indeed the challenge ahead.
Boom!!! 3 points! It’s a tough place to go and it showed. Time to recharge and get back to it after the break 😄 pic.twitter.com/UE3KQIyogO
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) January 23, 2022
Never an easy place to go but a BIG 3 points!! Away end 🔝❤️ #YNWA pic.twitter.com/XFmOQlJ5vC
— Andy Robertson (@andrewrobertso5) January 23, 2022
Great result going into the break 💪🏻 Time to recharge the batteries and come back fresh! 🔋 pic.twitter.com/2dZxASpNcF
— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) January 23, 2022
Jurgen Klopp’s side now sit nine points behind Premier League pacesetters Manchester City with a game in hand.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Well, most importantly – what an important win.
Whilst it’s far from a nailed-on penalty, it’s also far from the most debatable decision we’ve seen this season – perhaps even this weekend.
This would appear to be another example of how no club can quite capture the imagination of angry onlookers like Liverpool can.
Given all that has gone before – including to the detriment of the Reds – calls for an ‘investigation’ are rather implausible.
