Should Naby Keita’s goal for Liverpool against Newcastle United have been ruled out by VAR?
As Jurgen Klopp made five changes from the team that defeated Villarreal in the Champions League semi-final midweek, you wondered if today’s trip to St. James’ Park could prove to be a bit of a banana skin for the title-chasing Reds.
However, Naby Keita eased any anxiety among the travelling supporters as he tucked the ball away with 19 minutes on the clock. However, should the goal have been allowed to stand, or should it have been ruled out for a foul by James Milner?
It’s currently a topic of debate on social media. Have a look at the challenge in the video below and judge for yourself…
Wonderful feet from Naby Keita 😍
Liverpool take the lead and the Newcastle fans aren’t happy, but it looks like James Milner got his challenge just right… pic.twitter.com/1gdngbRXmb
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 30, 2022
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Pictures courtesy of the Premier League
Milner did win the ball, there’s no doubt about that, but the follow-through was strong and hurt Newcastle defender Fabian Schär. You can understand why the Magpies are feeling aggrieved and were hoping for VAR intervention.
What is worth remembering is that football is a contact sport and we have already lost quite a lot of that in recent years. Tackles of this nature do run the risk of injury, but they add to the competitive edge of the game.
It’d be harsh to deem it a foul…
