Hello and welcome to the Liverpool FC morning digest for Thursday, October 12. It’s been four days into the ongoing international break, but there are still noteworthy discussions surrounding Liverpool.
The aftermath of the controversial VAR error in Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur continues to generate discussions. Furthermore, as the reopening of the transfer window draws nearer, the public pursuit of Mohamed Salah persists.
The Reds turned down a £150 million offer from Saudi champions Al-Ittihad on transfer deadline day in September, making it clear they had no intention of entertaining any offers for the player.
Al-Ittihad is one of four clubs that have received significant financial support from the majority owners of Newcastle United, PIF, resulting in several established players, including former Liverpool trio Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Roberto Firmino, making moves to Saudi Arabia.
Salah is considered the most high-profile Muslim player in the world by Saudi Arabia, and it is expected that they will renew their interest in him during the upcoming summer transfer window. Liverpool’s resolve could be tested since the Egyptian will be entering the final year of his current contract at Anfield.
The league’s director of football, Michael Emenalo, formerly associated with Chelsea, has indicated their continued interest in acquiring the Liverpool forward.
Roy Keane has jokingly suggested that Liverpool should replay their game against Tottenham Hotspur following the VAR controversy, which he finds perplexing.
The discussions surrounding Liverpool’s first Premier League defeat of the season in North London persist. Jurgen Klopp’s team endured a 2-1 loss, with Joel Matip’s stoppage-time own goal leaving them empty-handed with only nine players on the field.
The controversy began with Curtis Jones receiving a controversial straight red card, followed by Luis Diaz having his goal incorrectly disallowed before Spurs scored through Heung-min Son.
Diogo Jota was also sent off for a second bookable offense, which was later deemed incorrect by an independent Premier League panel. Liverpool put up a valiant defense until Matip’s unfortunate moment led to Spurs’ breakthrough.
VAR audio was subsequently released, revealing the “significant human error” that led to Diaz’s goal being disallowed. This error is the latest in a growing list of mistakes made by referees and VAR officials in Stockley Park.
Former Manchester United midfielder Keane expressed his surprise at the audio in particular but also conveyed his frustration with the technology’s dominance in discussions.