Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was lucky to avoid a booking after wiping out Luis Diaz with a shocking challenge in Saturday’s Premier League match at the Amex Stadium.
Diaz put Liverpool in front with a brave header 20 minutes into the match after latching on to an inch-perfect through ball from Joel Matip.
After directing the ball towards the goal, Diaz was kicked in the chest by the onrushing Sanchez.
The ball trickled into the Brighton net while Diaz was left prone on the floor after the painful collision.
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The incident was reviewed by the video assistant referee and the goal was allowed to stand, while Sanchez avoided a red card for his rash challenge.
Remarkably, referee Mike Dean opted not to book the Brighton goalkeeper.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Sanchez avoided a red card because the goal was allowed to stand.
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He tweeted: “I’m convinced the red card wasn’t given because it was a goal.
“That header goes past the post & it’s a red card. It’s almost like, a goal is enough.”
However, some Liverpool fans on social media are convinced Sanchez should have been sent off for the challenge.
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“How can people claim this isn’t a red,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “It shouldn’t be enough. That’s the thing.
“That is a clear and obvious red card and the goal should also stand. How can you dispute that, Jamie?”
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A third wrote: Should have at least been a yellow though. Giving nothing is saying there was nothing wrong with the challenge and there was so much wrong with it.
“I think it helped that Diaz was okay too.”
Topics: Liverpool, Football, Brighton And Hove Albion, Premier League, Luis Diaz
Rory O'Callaghan