Sadio Mane is not known to be a foul-mouthed player but in Saturday’s clash with Newcastle, the Senegalese star was caught cursing at the Video Assistant Referee.
This Reds attacker’s anger stemmed from a controversial incident during the first half of their showdown with the Magpies. The league leaders hosted Newcastle at Anfield in the early kick-off and after surprisingly going 1-0, the home side saw a penalty shout shockingly denied.
Replay showed that Joel Matip was wrestled down in the box during an attempt to head the ball. Some even went as far as describing it as a headlock on the Cameroonian as he looked certain to find the back of the net. However, this incident was not even reviewed by VAR, leaving many upset.
Mane would go on the score an equalizer shortly afterward before completing his brace in the 40th minute to hand Liverpool the lead. Klopp’s men would go on to win 3-1, with Salah netting a lovely goal to secure all three points but this did not stop everyone from questioning why the incident was not reviewed.
Even Mane, the man who turned things around in Saturday’s game, couldn’t hide is displeasure, hurling a curse at the men behind the screens, as reported by David Maddock of the Mirror.
Sadio Mane says 'f**k you' to the idiots in the VAR booth....#LFC
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) September 14, 2019
The explanation for why it was not review was that it was a subjective decision and not a clear mistake, hence the decision. However, many took to Twitter to blast officials for failing to award a “blatant” spot-kick.
Justice done at Anfield as Liverpool should have had a penalty (VAR??!!) and a minute later they have a brilliant goal from Sadio Mane #LIVNEW
— Kevin Palmer (@RealKevinPalmer) September 14, 2019
VAR has supposedly been reviewed during the international break. I’m it sure what they were doing but surely this isn’t allowed???
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) September 14, 2019
This isn’t just about Liverpool, other teams have been affected by poor decisions in the Premier League. The state of refereeing is atrocious. pic.twitter.com/OIzF0YvGWq
How did VAR miss that on Matip? pic.twitter.com/YYlUekBFKv
— Sam Temple (@STemple90) September 14, 2019
Headlocks are all good in this game you know.
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) September 14, 2019
Mike Dean the VAR today. He thought this was a-okay.
Photo from @TheNotoriousPGM pic.twitter.com/kjOZ1CHzbY
What’s VAR even for? pic.twitter.com/smCUjKz2fk
— LFCNY (@LFCNY) September 14, 2019
"VAR came in to help Liverpool win the league". pic.twitter.com/BqAyWLMyxP
— Dave Knott (@ShutterDub) September 14, 2019
*Player gets wrestled to the ground*
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) September 14, 2019
“You gonna do anything about that?”
VAR: pic.twitter.com/bKTeWgfWE9
What's the point of VAR? Blatant penalty...
— Kloppholic (@Kloppholic) September 14, 2019
Big appeals for a penalty. surely one for VAR?
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) September 14, 2019
Mane may have taken heat off officials with his gorgeous filth there, but huge, huge point about VAR: How the hell is headlock on Matip not be checked? There's no subjectivity in that motion, it's a clear and obvious offence, and clear and obvious ref mistake. VAR is shit #LFC
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) September 14, 2019