Liverpool kept up their excellent run of form on Boxing Day afternoon, securing a comfortable 4-0 win over Newcastle United.Dejan Lovren was the unlikely goalscorer for the game’s opener, thundering the ball into the back of the Newcastle net past Martin Dubravka in the 11th minute.The Reds then doubled their advantage early in the second half courtesy of a controversial Mohamed Salah penalty. More on that shortly.Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho added gloss the scoreline in the final 10 minutes of the match.Liverpool went into the afternoon four points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday.But they now sit six points clear at the top of the table after Pep Guardiola’s side were beaten again, this time by Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.Tottenham move into second place following their emphatic 5-0 victory over Bournemouth.Guardiola should probably avoid watching Match of the Day, particularly when the highlights of the Liverpool game are broadcast.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were awarded their first Premier League penalty at Anfield since October 2017 - but football fans on social media are demanding an explanation as to why it was given.Salah was awarded a penalty by referee Graham Scott after going down inside the box, but replays showed it was so, so soft.Watch the footage here…While some Liverpool fans will argue that Paul Dummett gave Scott a decision to make by putting his hand on Salah’s arm, are we seriously meant to believe that was enough contact to bring the Egyptian forward to the ground?Football fans are fuming after seeing the footage…
Even some Reds supporters are admitting it should never have been a penalty…
We probably won’t see a softer penalty awarded in the Premier League this season.
Are football fans right to be angry with this decision - or was Scott right to award the penalty? Have your say below.