Many Liverpool fans were left furious during the Manchester United clash at Anfield on Sunday after referee Paul Tierney appeared to stop Sadio Mane in his tracks when he blew the whistle early for half-time.
With one minute of additional time due to be played, Tierney – who had a quiet game overall with little in the way of controversy – brought an end to play just as Mane received the ball behind the defence and was through on goal.
The anguish amongst the champions was plain for all to see, Thiago in particular bewildered at the early halt to proceedings.
Appearing on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch feature, former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher lamented the early whistle, saying: “This is the one thing the referee is totally in control of. Once you put up one minute, you’re obliged to play at least one minute. You can play further one, but to play short leads to people having a go at you.”
In a match of few clear-cut chances, that moment was one of the few potential openings for the Reds, albeit we will never know what would have transpired had pay continued as it should have.
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Yet another Premier League match goes by with either the on-field officiating or the wonders of VAR failing to endear themselves to Liverpool fans.
Although ultimately Jurgen Klopp’s side will hold themselves accountable for not creating the chances to earn all three points, a contest of such gravitas deserves one of the more simple elements of officiating to be accurate.
That said, give the current woes in front of goal, Mane would likely have blazed high and wide had he been allowed to continue.
