Ex-Premier League ref explains why Cody Gakpo is to blame for Paul Tierney penalty mistake

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Ex-Premier League ref explains why Cody Gakpo is to blame for Paul Tierney penalty mistake

In other circumstances, Paul Tierney's failure to give Liverpool a penalty for a foul on Cody Gakpo might've been the biggest talking point after the Tottenham win.

The referee community has rallied around Tierney, though. For example, Sky Sports' referee analyst Dermot Gallagher believes that Gakpo's exaggerated fall to the ground was the reason why Tierney was right in his decision.

"I think how he reacted sold it to the referee, to be honest," Gallagher said.

"He does get clipped, the referee’s very close and sees him go through the air like that, and I think that’s what convinced him not to give a penalty.”

When asked if the penalty could've been given if Gakpo had gone to the ground in a less dramatic way, Gallagher responded: "I actually think that, honestly.

"How he’s gone [down] has convinced the referee that he’s launched himself through the air. Because the referee’s got a perfect view.

"If you look, the referee is as close as I am to you if you like, and he waves it away straight away.

"I think that sells it in his mind, that he’s gone to do it himself."

So, the contact itself merited a penalty, but the way Gakpo went down ruled it out? Makes perfect sense.

Fortunately, the episode did not affect the game, with Liverpool winning it 4-2. Still, it is another reminder of why Jurgen Klopp is not Tierney's biggest fan.

AuthorMichael EllisSourceSky Sports
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