Watch bizarre moment Liverpool denied clear goalscoring opportunity in West Ham game as fans say ref ‘knew he messed up’
FANS are demanding answers after Liverpool were denied an easy goal by one of the most mystifying decisions of the season.
Some viewers reckon referee Anthony Taylor “knew he messed up” as he made an odd incident even stranger late in a 2-2 draw at West Ham.
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The controversy began when home keeper Alphonse Areola tumbled to the ground after gathering a high ball under pressure.
Taylor responded by appearing to wave play on – as he raised his arm and jogged away.
Areola was then helped up by two players – before he threw the ball in front of him as if to take a free-kick.
The stopper even bent down to adjust his socks – as the ball sat yards in front of him.
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Reds’ attacker Cody Gakpo ran in to take possession – only for Taylor to blow up and stride back to Areola.
And that’s when keen-eyed viewers became even more bemused.
Taylor put his hand on the Frenchman, said a few words and signalled for West Ham‘s physio to come on.
Areola stretched his leg as if in pain – but fans blasted Taylor over the bizarre exchange.
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Many pointed out the game seemed to be active when when Gakpo pounced on the ball.
One viewer went back to the start of the matter as he wrote: He (Taylor) actually motions for the keeper to get up – makes it even worse.”
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Another said: “Didn’t hear a whistle, ref just botched it. Classic Taylor messing up when it actually matters, smh.”
A third posted: “He actually motions for the keeper to get up – makes it even worse
A fourth argued: “Taylor only called the physio on because he knows he f***ed up.”
And a fifth hit out: “Like to see them explain this one!”
Another fan was equally curious over the end of the incident.
He wrote: “Want to hear what Taylor said to the keeper for the keeper to go from pulling his socks up to being injured.”
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But a few viewers suggested Liverpool‘s Dutch raider ideal response would have been to slot the ball home and wait to see if VAR stepped in.
Such verdicts included: “Gakpo should have just put the ball in the net. Worst case scenario he would have been booked, but the goal could have stood.”
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