FOOTBALL

Liverpool want referees’ chiefs to explain Cody Gakpo decisions

Jörg Schmadtke, a former goalkeeper and friend of Jürgen Klopp, to join Anfield club as sporting director
Gakpo’s strike against Villa was ruled out for an offside in the build-up
Gakpo’s strike against Villa was ruled out for an offside in the build-up
GARY OAKLEY/ALAMY

Liverpool are seeking clarification from refereeing chiefs over the decision to disallow Cody Gakpo’s goal in the draw with Aston Villa.

The Anfield club has also asked Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) for the reasons why the Villa defender Tyrone Mings was not sent off for a high challenge that left Gakpo with stud marks across his chest on Saturday.

Liverpool were left baffled at the decision to scrub Gakpo’s second-half effort, with referee John Brooks determining after a lengthy VAR consultation that the Villa defender Ezri Konsa had not deliberately played the ball to Virgil van Dijk, who was in an offside position. But Liverpool, who trailed 1-0 at the time before Roberto Firmino’s late equaliser, were convinced that replays showed Konsa’s action