Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has faced severe criticism from club legend Jamie Carragher following his controversial red card in Sunday's dramatic 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield. The Hungarian international's dismissal during a chaotic finale has been branded a 'stupid decision' and 'absolutely daft' by the former defender, sparking debate about the incident's impact on Liverpool's season.
Chaotic Conclusion to Anfield Clash
The match reached extraordinary levels of drama in stoppage time when Manchester City goalkeeper Alisson Becker ventured forward for a corner and remained upfield as play resumed. This allowed City to launch a counter-attack, with Rayan Cherki scoring from the halfway line as the ball rolled toward an empty net.
During this sequence, Szoboszlai chased back alongside Erling Haaland and pulled the Norwegian striker back, before Haaland himself then hauled down the Hungarian midfielder. After a VAR review, Cherki's goal was disallowed and Szoboszlai received a red card, with officials applying advantage for his initial foul before cancelling it for the subsequent foul against him.
Carragher's Blunt Assessment
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher delivered a scathing assessment of Szoboszlai's actions. 'It's a stupid decision by Szoboszlai,' the Liverpool icon stated. 'For me you just let it carry on and the goal goes in and I don't think anyone's complaining.'
Carragher emphasised that the midfielder had time to consider his actions during the chase back. 'It's absolutely daft from him because he's got time to think, he was running back,' he added, suggesting the red card could have been avoided entirely.
Consequences and Reactions
The Sky Sports report indicates Szoboszlai is likely to face a one-match ban, meaning he will miss Liverpool's upcoming trip to face Sunderland on Wednesday evening. This suspension comes despite Haaland's mistaken belief that his opponent faced a three-game ban.
The Manchester City striker expressed sympathy for Szoboszlai, telling Sky Sports: 'Of course, the referee had to follow the rules but this will give him three games, in the end I feel bad for him because he gets three games. Just give the goal, don't give a red card. Simple as that. It's the rules and how it is.'
Broader Implications for Liverpool
The defeat leaves Liverpool sixth in the Premier League table, four points behind Chelsea in fifth and five adrift of Manchester United in fourth position. Carragher expressed concern about Liverpool's prospects of securing Champions League football next season, highlighting issues with the team's structure and control.
'If Liverpool continue the way they are, with a front four and the games end-to-end, I just don't see how they can make the Champions League positions,' Carragher warned. 'But no matter what Arne Slot does, the make-up of this squad and team isn't right. It never looks stable, they are never in control.'
The former defender concluded with a sobering assessment: 'There is a long road ahead for Liverpool to make the Champions League places.'
Match Context and Performance
Szoboszlai had initially put Liverpool ahead with a spectacular 74th-minute free-kick that seemed destined to secure victory. However, Manchester City mounted a late comeback through Bernardo Silva's close-range finish and Haaland's penalty after Alisson brought down Matheus Nunes.
The Hungarian's eventful afternoon encapsulated Liverpool's frustrating campaign, mixing moments of individual brilliance with costly decisions that have hampered their progress. As the team prepares for their next fixture without one of their key midfielders, questions persist about their ability to compete at the highest level consistently.
