Emotions are bound to run high after any cup final defeat, but when you add a contentious issue into the mix things will only get worse.
Liverpool might have been second-best for stretches during the Capital One Cup final, but they finished strongly and deservedly took Manchester City to penalties.
They even took an early lead in the shoot-out when Fernandinho hit the post, but Willy Caballero saved from Lucas, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana to deny Jurgen Klopp’s team.
And it was the save from Coutinho, who stuttered during his run-up, which has become the main bone of contention.
I'm not sure how this is allowed? Keeper already a foot off his line, the rule must have changed. pic.twitter.com/dvU3OsZduZ
— Paul Star Hero (@paulblakeyuk) February 28, 2016
The goalkeeper certainly looked to have left his line before Coutinho hit the ball, and plenty of those watching the game noticed.
Shit pens, best pen takers should have gone first & the keeper was off his line for a good few. What a bollocks
— THE IRISH KOP (@ShanksLFC) February 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/joeyd8664/status/704026962000551937
What a poor decision by referee Oliver for the Couthino penalty, at least 2yards off his line before he struck his penalty #penalty retake
— Tim Morgan (@morganbroad) February 28, 2016
It wasn’t just that one penalty, either
Just curious. Why has nobody mentioned how far Caballero was off his line for each of LFC penalties?? pic.twitter.com/90Ucwflmma
— Brett P (@btp34) February 28, 2016
why has no 1 else noticed how far caballero was off his line for each penalty???
— Ash (@AshleyLFCDuncan) February 28, 2016
But plenty of Liverpool fans chose to look for the positives
Considering the level of the opposition & huge gaps in our 1st XI I'm proud of that performance. For many players it's just the start #LFC
— Hari Sethi (@Hari_Sethi) February 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/TintinnyTins/status/704029231546761218