Diogo Jota should have been sent off for his high foot on Oliver Skipp in Liverpool’s dramatic win over Tottenham, according to former Premier League referee Keith Hackett.
The veteran official has sided with Spurs boss Ryan Mason, who was left fuming that both referee Paul Tierney and VAR chief Chris Kavanagh opted to only book the Reds forward.
“Tierney should have issued a red card for a high boot by Liverpool’s Diogo Jota into the face of Oliver Skipp,” he wrote in the Telegraph.
“I would say to video assistant referee Chris Kavanagh this was a clear and obvious error and you should have intervened.
“The challenge endangered the safety of his opponent and the sanction for this offence is a red card.”
Hackett, who officiated in the top flight across the 1970s, 80s and 90s, also criticised Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for his conduct at Anfield.
The German is facing a touchline ban for his comments against Tierney, claiming there is “history” with the referee and that he was spoken to in a manner that was “not okay” - something the PGMOL has disputed.
The FA have been told by Hackett, 78, to “throw the book” at “serial offender” Klopp given his behaviour on the touchline.
🗣️ "I think he's got very very lucky"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 1, 2023
Dermot Gallagher discusses Diogo Jota's challenge on Oliver Skipp during Liverpool's 4-3 victory over Tottenham 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/ViUaQQpJZ8
He added: “This weakness by our elite officials to not act during a game promotes poor behaviour at grass-roots level and tarnishes the image of the Premier League around the world.
“Managers at a lower level will look at how Klopp behaved and think it is okay to do the same.”
