‘He should ask himself…’ – Andoni Iraola told he may have made a grave error in Liverpool loss

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has suggested that Andoni Iraola, a former Liverpool referee, may have made a significant mistake in the match against Manchester City. The incident in question occurred when Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the 62nd minute after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Jeremy Doku. Previously, Gravenberch had been booked for catching Elliot Anderson.

The absence of Gravenberch proved to be a turning point in the game, as Manchester City scored twice within five minutes following the Dutchman's dismissal. Rayan Cherki ultimately sealed the 3-0 victory for City.

Hackett acknowledged that the referee had an unfavorable angle and incorrectly issued Gravenberch with a yellow card. He argued that, in a high-stakes game with considerable tension, the manager should consider substituting the player after their initial yellow card to prevent the risk of a second yellow followed by a red card. Hackett emphasized that while the card was technically valid, the referee should have been more cautious in such a tense situation.

While Hackett's comments raise valid concerns about Iraola's decision-making, it also seems like hindsight. The ex-PGMOL chief agrees that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers should have taken into account the match's high-stakes nature and the tension following the off-field scandal involving Manchester City. He believes that Kavanagh, the referee who handled the match, should have adjusted his decision-making accordingly.

The red card for Gravenberch undoubtedly altered the course of the game, as Manchester City went on to score two quickfire goals in the following minutes. Liverpool, who were clearly more organized and competitive prior to Gravenberch's dismissal, struggled to mount a proper challenge following the incident. Hackett hopes that future high-pressure matches will be handled with more restraint, and that referees will take their surroundings and context into better account.