The fallout from Liverpool’s chaotic draw against Arsenal on Sunday continues as Jurgen Klopp’s side look ahead to the upcoming Leeds match.
Roberto Firmino’s 87th-minute header earned the Reds a point as they came from 2-0 down at Anfield. There were plenty of incidents besides the result, with Andy Robertson involved in an altercation with assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis.
Liverpool’s defensive problems continued, with the Gunners tearing the backline apart early on in the match. Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold were picked out for particular criticism, with some pundits already looking ahead to the summer transfer window.
With all that in mind, here are the latest news stories concerning Liverpool.
Robertson linesman suspended
Hatzidakis has been withdrawn from officiating matches by the refereeing body the PGMOL as the FA investigates what happened between him and Robertson.
A statement on Monday read: “PGMOL will not be appointing Constantine Hatzidakis to fixtures in any of the competition it serves whilst The FA investigates the incident involving the assistant referee and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at Anfield.”
Former referees’ chief Keith Hackett has warned Hatzidakis that his career could be in tatters. “Ultimately, if he is found guilty of this, his career is in jeopardy," he said. Meanwhile, there have also been calls for new laws to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Carragher defends Van Dijk
Like several Liverpool players, Van Dijk has endured a difficult season with his form erratic at times.
He allowed Gabriel Jesus a free header for Arsenal ’s second goal on Sunday, prompting debate about his standing among great Premier League centre-backs.
Jamie Carragher has jumped to his defence on Twitter after a prominent account said he was not as good as ex-Manchester United player Nemanja Vidic.
He tweeted: "VVD is far better than Vidic, who was a top CB, but have you forgot his performances against Torres?
"Rio and JT had poor seasons in their career like all players, VVD is having one now. No CB in the PL era has ever had VVD’s impact on a team."
Bellingham transfer warning
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has warned his old club about splashing huge cash on Jude Bellingham in the summer transfer window.
Bellingham is Liverpool’s number one transfer target, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo among those set to leave this summer.
“I'm not too sure about Bellingham, he's an incredibly talented player with extraordinary abilities. The only thing he doesn't have is discipline,” Hamann told Sky Germany.
"If you look at the goals that Dortmund have conceded in recent weeks and months, I can tell you that in five or six in which he played a key role."
