Jurgen Klopp left furious after Liverpool's VAR controversy in Bournemouth clash

21 January 2024 , 17:28

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Jurgen Klopp left furious after Liverpool's VAR controversy in Bournemouth clash

Jurgen Klopp was left furious in the first half of Liverpool's emphatic 4-0 win away to Bournemouth on Sunday after a nasty challenge on Luis Diaz didn't result in a red card.

During the Premier League clash, Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert - son of Dutch icon Patrick - landed a high tackle on Diaz's right leg, having just come out a challenge with Liverpool team-mate Alex Mac Allister. Colombian winger Diaz was in serious discomfort following the incident, but on-field referee Andrew Madley chose not to book Kluivert and VAR didn't deem it a clear and obvious red card.

Diaz, 27, required medical attention before getting back to his feet shortly after. On the touchline, Klopp was seen remonstrating with a linesman after no action was taken.

Commentating for Sky Sports, ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith said: "[Kluivert] is stretching for it, and it's a painful one. It's certainly not a malicious challenge. It looks an innocent challenge at normal speed. I don't think it's a red. Somewhere in between a yellow and a red. He had his eyes firmly fixed on the ball."

The incident was discussed at half-time in the Sky Sports studio, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher saying: "I think Kluivert is a lucky boy. As a former player, you never want to see the red card but I think Liverpool will be really frustrated that Curtis Jones was sent off for something similar against Tottenham before. When you see it in slow-motion you think, 'It's a shocker, it's a red card'.

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"I don't like these incidents being slowed down so much, I don't think it helps the situation and I think they just about get to the right decision. It's a nasty challenge but for me, football isn't played in slow motion, at full speed it looks like it;s not as bad but Liverpool will be understandably frustrated."

Your turn! Should Justin Kluivert have been sent off? Let us know your stance in the comments section.

Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert wasn't sent off for this challenge on Liverpool star Luis Diaz

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp then added: "I agree, it's similar to the Curtis Jones incident because he was getting pulled about as he was trying to drag the ball away and that’s what’s happened to Kluivert here.

"MacAllister is trying to pull him away, all of a sudden there's a player there and he puts his foot in to get the ball - I don't think it's a red card. I understand the frustration about Curtis Jones and how he was sent off before but I think that's the right decision."

Diaz was able to play until the 64th minute, with Liverpool leading 1-0. Another goal from Darwin Nunez after Diogo Jota had struck twice made it four and sent the Reds top of the table.

Nathan Ridley