Liverpool: Did Dominik Szoboszlai’s Mistake Against Barnsley Show Disrespect?
Liverpool’s recent match against Barnsley sparked debate over a contentious penalty decision involving Dominik Szoboszlai. The incident occurred in the second half when Barnsley forward Reyes Cleary went down in the box following a challenge from Szoboszlai.
Controversial Incident
At a critical moment, with the scoreline at 2-1, Barnsley felt they deserved a penalty. Conor Hourihane, Barnsley’s coach, expressed disbelief, stating it appeared to be a “stonewall penalty” as Cleary was impeded. Some speculated that Szoboszlai might have touched the ball, while others pointed out a potential shirt pull on Cleary.
- Conor Hourihane: “It would have been a big decision.”
- Ally McCoist (TNT Sports): “That’s a penalty—definitely.”
- Joleon Lescott: “For me, that’s not a penalty.”
The absence of VAR in the early rounds of the FA Cup meant the referee’s decision was final and unreviewable. Coach Slot confirmed that the assessment was that there was no foul, and Szoboszlai had played the ball.
Liverpool’s Performance
Despite the controversy, Liverpool extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games across competitions, a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2024-2025. This includes six victories and five draws, reflecting their strong form this season.
Substitutes Make an Impact
The introduction of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike in the second half proved crucial. Their combined efforts helped secure a comfortable win for Liverpool, with Wirtz notably contributing a goal and an assist during his 30-minute appearance.
Slot remarked on the significance of the FA Cup, asserting their commitment to the tournament. Szoboszlai echoed this sentiment, highlighting the depth of talent within the squad. “We need everyone,” he stated, underlining the importance of all players in their campaign.
Ultimately, Liverpool managed to navigate the tense moments without regrets about Szoboszlai’s earlier challenge, showcasing both resilience and team quality in their FA Cup journey.
