Liverpool ultimately enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 win away to Genk in last night’s Champions League clash, but had the officials to thank for taking a 1-0 lead into half-time.
On 26 minutes, Junya Ito’s cross into the penalty area was headed past Alisson by Mbwana Samatta, who wheeled away to celebrate. [via Sky Sports]
However, the referee whistled to disallow the goal, with the incident subsequently referred to VAR. After a 90-second wait, VAR agreed with the on-field decision, judging that Ito was marginally ahead of Andrew Robertson in the build-up and therefore offside. [via Sky Sports]
Liverpool’s official Twitter channel @LFC notified its followers of the decision once it was confirmed.
26' – The hosts have the ball in the back of the net but it's ruled out. Still 1-0 to the Reds.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 23, 2019
Genk had threatened the Reds’ defence on a couple of occasions prior to that disallowed goal, with Alisson called upon at one stage to deny Paul Onuachu with a close-range save. Indeed, the visitors had gone almost 20 minutes without recording a shot after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s second-minute goal, as per WhoScored.
These Liverpool fans on Twitter felt that their team got away with it when the officials ruled out Samatta’s goal:
Wrongly*
— Liam (@LiamS5_) October 23, 2019
Thought that was a clear goal?? Very surprised there…
— Lisa Jono (@ljono79) October 23, 2019
Got away with one there
— MM (@SonofPhail24) October 23, 2019
Lucky to be leading
— Thobani Ngcobo (@PrinceDaGemini) October 23, 2019
Harsh on Genk tbh.
— Ade (@El_Loco_Ade) October 23, 2019
Didn’t really seem like a foul but I’ll take it
— Corner Taken Quickly F.C (@LfcNtg) October 23, 2019
What was wrong with the Genk goal? Looked ok to me.
— Craig Bayliss (@CraigBayliss17) October 23, 2019
Do you think Samatta’s first half goal should have stood or were the officials right to disallow it? Join in the discussion by commenting below!
