Liverpool, in their title-defending season, dropped a crucial two points following their 1-1 draw with Scott Parker’s Burnley at Anfield on Saturday afternoon – and ex-

PGMOL boss and FIFA referee Keith Hackett believes that a decision, which went in favour of the Reds, was incorrectly given by referee Andy Madley.

Picking up their fourth consecutive league draw (the first time that has happened since 2008), Arne Slot’s men went ahead in the 42nd minute after Florian Wirtz powered his effort into the top left-hand corner, which cancelled out Dominik Szoboszlai’s missed penalty earlier in the match.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: No side in the current top seven has scored fewer league goals this season than Liverpool, who are averaging their fewest shots per game since 2001/02.

A number of chances went abegging for the Merseysiders before the half-time whistle was blown, and they were made to pay the price in the 65th minute as Burnley’s livewire, Marcus Edwards, drew level as he jinked down the left-hand side and forced his left-footed shot beyond the reach of Alisson Becker.

Referee Incorrect To Award Liverpool Penalty in 1-1 Draw with Burnley, Claims Ex-PGMOL Chief Keith Hackett



In what was another drab encounter in a poor title defence, Liverpool’s point on home soil has retained their spot in the top four for now but Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Manchester City means they are now just one point adrift of their arch-rivals. Liam Rosenior and Chelsea, too, are just two points behind the Reds.

As alluded to earlier, Szoboszlai had the perfect chance to open the scoring just after the half-hour mark when Madley pointed to the spot. After a wayward cross, Liverpool kept the ball alive, and it appeared as if Cody Gakpo was brought down by Florentino Luis, who dangled his leg in an attempt to regain possession.

Stepping up in the absence of penalty taker-in-chief Mohamed Salah, Szoboszlai’s effort from 12 yards out rattled the crossbar and out of danger as Burnley looked to produce a counter-attack of their own.

It was the first time since 2021 the versatile Hungarian had fluffed a chance from the spot kick but, on a second look at the incident, it’s pretty clear that Florentino’s contact on Gakpo is minimal and that Madley awarding the penalty kick was a controversial decision. That is also the opinion of ex-PGMOL chief Hackett.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider following the Anfield draw, Hackett said: “What a poor penalty decision by referee Andy Madley. We see at corner kicks, holding, pulling blocking going unpunished.

“I struggle to see any offence that would see a penalty kick awarded to Liverpool. (This was the) wrong call by the officials

Hackett’s assessment of Madley’s decision-making was echoed by Michael Dawson, who was in the Sky Sports studio. “That can’t be given as a penalty… but he does dangle his leg. It is so soft,” he claimed.

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean – alongside Dawson in the studio while making his customary appearance on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday – claimed that he didn’t vehemently disagree with the decision, though he did insist that giving the penalty was on the generous side. “It is soft, but I can see why it has been given on-field. It won’t get overturned,” the ex-English top flight official said.

Report: Liverpool Owners Make Arne Slot Decision Amid Xabi Alonso Availability



A club that places such heavy importance on the manager and, as a result, are wary of making mid-season changes to the managerial department, Liverpool’s situation went from bad to worse on Saturday as they dropped points to one of the worst teams in the league. With United and Chelsea both hot on their heels, securing Champions League football is no longer a given.

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That said, Slot’s position (for now, at least) is secure. The Athletic have reported there’s no appetite from Liverpool owners FSG (Fenway Sports Group) to relieve the Dutchman of his duties and hire a new manager. Xabi Alonso – who was high on their shortlist when they were initially looking for Klopp replacements – is a name being floated about.