CLUB NEWS
Adam Lallana had an eventful comeback from injury in an appearance for the U23’s side last night, getting sent off in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Lallana, 29, was given his marching orders after grabbing George Marsh around the neck following a tough challenge from the 19-year-old Spurs player. The midfielder was dragged away by team-mate Danny Ings before being dismissed in the 63rd minute.
This was the English international’s first game since suffering a groin injury which has forced him to miss the Reds’ last three matches. Dom Solanke, Danny Ings and Ben Woodburn also started the 1-0 defeat, gaining some valuable minutes as Jurgen Klopp will surely turn to the trio to give his first choice front free of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah a rest in the remaining games of the season.
Virgil Van Dijk has been speaking to The Liverpool Echo about what sort of reception he expects to receive when he returns to former club Southampton in the Premiership clash on Sunday. The Dutch international moved to Anfield in a club record £75 million deal from St.Marys in January and this will be his first game back at the club. Van Dijk said: “I made the decision. I have enjoyed every bit of it and I am very grateful for everything that they did for me. I have moved on and they have moved on. “(About being booed) What can you do about it? You can’t do anything.”
REFEREE ‘FALL-OUT’
Jon Moss was ‘misguided’ to ask fourth official Martin Atkinson to check TV footage during the controversial award of a penalty during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday, according to a statement released by the referee’s body PGMOL. The referee’s conversation with his fourth official Martin Atkinson was picked up by pitchside microphones and played back on Match of the Day 2 on the BBC on Sunday night.
This was after Moss awarded a penalty for a foul by Loris Karius on Tottenham striker Harry Kane, despite Kane appearing to be offside. In the footage, Moss can be seen saying: “I’ve no idea whether Lovren touched the ball to be honest with you. Martin have you got anything on TV? I’m giving the penalty.”
However, the referee’s body PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) were adamant no TV replay was used to determine the decision, with the use of TV replays not allowed in the Premier League currently. PGMOL stated: “(Jon Moss) acknowledges that referencing ‘TV’ was misguided. Atkinson did not reply to the question and so had no involvement in the decision.”
YOUNGSTERS
It was a disappointing night all round for the U23’s team last night, with Neil Critchley’s youngsters ending with nine men in the 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. As well as Lallana’s red card, defender George Johnston was also sent off as Jack Role’s second-half goal won the game for Spurs. There was a debut for new signing Tony Gallacher, the 18-year-old left back making his first appearance since signing from Falkirk in January.