“A massive error” – Frank highlights Liverpool incident after defeat
Liverpool’s most recent Premier League victory has once again thrown refereeing decisions into sharp focus, with the post-match fallout ensuring the debate is far from settled.
Arne Slot’s team departed north London with a 2–1 win, continuing an impressive run of form, yet it was Hugo Ekitike’s second-half header that became the main talking point after the match.
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank, speaking to Sky Sports, made no attempt to hide his frustration at the goal being given, suggesting it proved decisive in the outcome.
Frank questions officials after Liverpool winner
The Dane claimed Ekitike fouled his opponent in the build-up and argued that the officials failed to step in, despite the presence of VAR.
“That’s astonishing — it’s a massive error,” Frank said. “Ekitike has two hands in the back. I can’t see how that’s missed.”
However, the incident appeared to be a fairly standard aerial challenge, with the French forward simply showing greater determination. That view was echoed by Gary Neville on co-commentary, who remarked that he did not believe a foul had been committed.
The referee made an immediate decision on the pitch, and there was insufficient evidence for VAR to intervene either way, making it one of those calls that hinges largely on the official’s angle and interpretation.
Frank also suggested the moment influenced Cristian Romero’s reaction shortly afterwards, which eventually resulted in the defender receiving the first of two yellow cards during an already heated closing period.
Despite much of the attention centring on Ekitike, Tottenham’s lack of discipline again played a significant role. Earlier, Xavi Simons had been sent off for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk, leaving Spurs with a difficult task for much of the match.
It was another evening where Tottenham appeared to unravel, reinforcing post-match criticism from figures such as Joe Hart, who highlighted separate late incidents involving Milos Kerkez that went unaddressed by Frank.
Ekitike himself captured the mood of the contest, describing it as crossing the line when he said, “That wasn’t football,” in reference to the physical edge of the game. Hart was equally forthright on Match of the Day, stating that Spurs “completely lost control” during the final stages.
With Liverpool having now seen four opposing players sent off in the league this season — more than any other team — the Reds have frequently faced overly aggressive approaches from opponents.
While Frank’s frustration is understandable, the decision itself was a marginal one rather than the clear-cut error he described, hinging more on strength, timing and desire in the air than genuine controversy.
