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Football

06th Feb 2022

“He’s got the benefit of the doubt” – Kelleher escapes red card during Liverpool vs Cardiff cup tie

Daniel Brown

Cardiff understandably felt hard done by.

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was lucky to not be sent off as the Reds progressed into the fifth round of the FA Cup with victory over Cardiff City.

Jurgen Klopp’s men struggled to break down the Bluebirds in the first-half, but goals from Diogo Jota, Takumi Minamino and the retuning Harvey Elliott in the second period were enough to ensure they progressed to the fifth round.

Rubin Colwill pulled a goal back for the away side late into the match, but it was always going to be a consolation goal at that stage in the tie.

However, Steve Morison’s side will feel aggrieved that Liverpool’s shot-stopper Kelleher remained on the pitch after the Irishman collided with Mark Harris.

https://twitter.com/IreNews8/status/1490313042848059392

Replays showed that the goalkeeper’s studs made contact with his Harris’ right leg – with Ibrahima Konate’s backtracking position preventing Kelleher from receiving his marching orders.

Referee Andrew Madley deemed the foul only worthy of a yellow card, with VAR agreeing with his decision and ruling that a clear and obvious error wasn’t made.

Speaking on ITV, Roy Keane felt that the Cork-man was lucky to get away with a yellow.

“He’s not in control, is he. He’s got very, very lucky with the sending off, and it could have been a bad injury.
“He’s got the benefit of the doubt, it’s one of those where sometimes the home team gets it. Very lucky.”

“I think Konate probably gets round,” added Ian Wright. “but they (VAR) must have been looking at the challenge. The challenge is something that he probably could have got sent off for.”

Despite the controversial incident, Liverpool dominated for the majority of the tie and progressed into the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time under Klopp.
The Reds will now face-off against Norwich City at home in the next round of the competition.

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