Liverpool increased their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 31 games as they beat Brighton 2-1 at Anfield on Saturday.
Virgil Van Dijk scored both goals for the Reds, with Lewis Dunk pulling one back late on for the Seagulls. The Brighton defender passed in a free-kick whilst Adrian was organising his wall, with Martin Atkinson allowing Dunk to take it quickly and score the goal.
These Liverpool fans reacted to Atkinson’s decision…
Don’t understand…
Twitter: I still don’t understand that free-kick tactic from Martin Atkinson. 🤔 #LFC #lfcbha but we still prevailed (@amos330)
Joke…
Twitter: Martin Atkinson is a joke – how can he blow his whistle while the new sub keeper is stood on his post lining up the… https://t.co/sUEdcuJKos (@AntHitch7)
Well…
Twitter: Martin Atkinson is the VAR ref for the derby as well… #LFC (@aguyiusedtoknow)
Haha!
Twitter: And 10-man Liverpool win 2-1 over Martin Atkinson. #YNWA #LFC #LIVBHA (@ImDonBecker)
Impressive to be fair!
Twitter: My Belly Button Fluff has the ability to referee better than Martin Atkinson #LFC (@camwallyy)
Hates Liverpool…
Twitter: Well I’m pleased that game is over. Martin Atkinson really hates us! #LFC #YNWA another 3 points in the bag 🔴 (@mrhardytoase)
READ SOUTHAMPTON VERDICT
Given the circumstances leading to Adrian coming on, with Allison being sent off for handball, it would make sense for Atkinson to allow him some extra time to get settled in and organise his wall in order to ease into the game. Instead, Atkinson allowed Brighton to score an open goal and bring them back into the match, with Liverpool furious with the decision.
These Liverpool fans are clearly enraged with Atkinson, with the referee having given a few controversial decisions against the Reds throughout this season before this weekend. It would be remiss to suggest that he is doing it on purpose out of something hatred for Liverpool, as some fans are saying, but it is strange that it keeps happening against the Reds when he is involved in the game.
