Friend denied the Reds a penalty but was later asked to consult the pitchside monitor by VAR official Craig Pawson. Upon taking a closer look, Friend reversed his initial call and handed the Reds a spot-kick.
Fabinho converted the Diogo Jota-earned spot-kick to help Liverpool earn a 3-1 win against Palace on January 23.
Friend’s decision came under the scanner as the call he made was a controversial one. It was further spiced up by his change of mind upon viewing the pitch-side monitor.
Friend has now been asked to stand down for next week’s game as a result of the controversy.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has slammed the decision. Speaking to Football Insider’s Dylan Childs, he said:
He added:
He finished off saying:
Liverpool awaiting return of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane from AFCON 2021
Liverpool will be in action against Cardiff City in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend. They will return to Premier League football next week, by which time Salah and Mane will have returned from AFCON 2021.
Both African stars are set to play in the final of the tournament on February 6 for the ultimate African trophy.
The Reds have fallen behind Manchester City in the Premier League race but will be hoping to make a late run post the return of their superstar forwards.
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