Premier League release statement one minute into Liverpool match after red card decision

Saturday 14th December 2024 10:53 AM

Issa Diop put in an awful tackle on Andy Robertson just one minute into the match between Liverpool and Fulham at Anfield

Liverpool and Fulham players line up on the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield on December 14, 2024 (Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool were given a scare inside the first minute of their Premier League match with Fulham at Anfield on Saturday when Andy Robertson was left in a heap by Issa Diop. The Scot was left on the turf by a wild challenge from the Fulham defender in the penalty area.

Diop was shown a yellow card for the offence, despite some confusion inside the ground, with the offside flag saving Fulham from any further punishment.

But plenty of onlookers were left surprised that Diop didn’t see red for the challenge, which was checked and cleared by VAR.

READ MORE: Liverpool vs Fulham LIVE – score, Andreas Pereira goal, Andy Robertson red card and streamREAD MORE: Darwin Nunez benched as big Liverpool returns confirmed for Fulham

A statement released by the Premier League match centre confirmed that the referee Tony Harrington’s decision was upheld by officials in Stockley Park.

It read: “The referee issued a yellow card to Diop for a challenge on Robertson. VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call of reckless challenge and yellow card.”

Andreas Pereira later gave Fulham the lead after himself booked for a poor challenge on Ryan Gravenberch, with many Liverpool fans complaining that he too could have been sent off.