“A costly error” – Frank highlights key Liverpool moment after defeat
Liverpool’s latest Premier League victory has once again thrown refereeing decisions into sharp focus, with the post-match fallout ensuring the debate is far from over.
Arne Slot’s men departed north London with a hard-fought 2-1 win, continuing an impressive run of form, but it was Hugo Ekitike’s decisive second-half header that stole the headlines after the final whistle.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank cut a frustrated figure, adamant that the goal should not have stood and branding the decision a pivotal moment in the game.
Frank targets officials after Liverpool winner
The Danish coach claimed Ekitike committed a foul in the build-up and insisted the officials failed to act despite the presence of VAR.
“That’s unbelievable, it’s a huge mistake,” Frank said. “It’s two hands in the back from Ekitike. I don’t understand how he can’t see it.”
To many, however, the incident resembled a routine aerial challenge, with the Liverpool forward simply showing greater determination. That view was echoed by Gary Neville on co-commentary, who stated: “It is not a foul.”
The referee made his judgement instantly, and there was deemed to be insufficient evidence for VAR to intervene, leaving it as one of those calls that largely hinges on the official’s on-field perspective.
Frank also suggested the decision played a role in Cristian Romero’s reaction shortly afterwards, which eventually resulted in the defender picking up the first of two yellow cards during an already heated finale.
Focus on officials masks Spurs’ indiscipline
While much of the attention centred on Ekitike’s goal, Tottenham’s lack of discipline again proved damaging. Earlier, Xavi Simons had been sent off for his challenge on Virgil van Dijk, leaving Spurs facing an uphill task with a man down.
It was another occasion where Spurs lost their composure, reinforcing post-match criticism from elsewhere, including Joe Hart, who highlighted late incidents involving Milos Kerkez that went unaddressed by Frank.
Ekitike himself captured the mood of the contest, remarking on the excessive physicality by saying: “That wasn’t football.”
Hart was similarly forthright on Match of the Day, adding: “They just totally lost control,” when reviewing Tottenham’s conduct late on.
With Liverpool having now seen opponents shown four red cards in the league this season — more than any other side — the Reds have frequently been on the end of aggressive tactics.
Frank may feel hard done by, but this was a debatable call rather than a clear-cut error — one decided more by timing, strength and hunger in the air than by genuine controversy.
