Former Premier League referees seem to have conflicting opinions over a crucial moment in Liverpool’s victory against Sheffield United.

The Reds exerted continuous pressure on the league leaders, Arsenal, by securing a 2-0 victory in Yorkshire. Captain Virgil van Dijk initiated the scoring in the initial half by successfully connecting with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner. In added time, Dominik Szoboszlai secured three points for Jurgen Klopp’s team by calmly executing a finish, ensuring their victory and return to Merseyside.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was infuriated by the events leading up to Liverpool’s crucial second goal. Darwin Nunez successfully regained possession after a well-executed sliding tackle on defender Jayden Bogle, after which he made a precise pass to Szoboszlai, who was in an open area. Upon reviewing the situation, the goal was deemed valid, which greatly surprised former referee Keith Hackett. Hackett expressed his criticism towards officials Simon Hooper and Michael Oliver.

In response to the incident, Hackett expressed his confusion on X, previously known as Twitter, stating that he finds it puzzling that Referee Hooper and VAR Oliver concluded that this was not a foul. Utterly incorrect from a legal standpoint.

When questioned about whether Hooper was the referee that caused controversy over the weekend by choosing not to use the advantage rule in the closing stages of Manchester City’s match against Tottenham Hotspur, Hackett confirmed that it was indeed the same referee. Hackett further stated that these errors were a result of inaccurate judgment.

Contrarily, Dermot Gallagher, a former official of the Premier League, held a completely divergent perspective and commended the squad of referees. Upon reviewing Nunez’s challenge on the Ref Watch segment for Sky Sports, it was contended that the striker had successfully regained possession for Liverpool prior to making any contact with Bogle’s leg.

“According to Gallagher, he has clearly gained possession of the ball,” Gallagher explained. “He cleanly touches the ball before making contact with Bogle. If a Sheffield United player had made a tackle like that in the penalty area, it would be highly unlikely for a penalty to be awarded against him.”

“The referee’s observation is unambiguous – VAR verifies it subsequently – yet the referee has an impeccable vantage point.”

When questioned about why it was not considered a foul, even though Nunez approached Bogle from behind, Gallagher explained that the determining factor is whether the player went past the opponent to get possession of the ball. On Sunday, we observed an incident involving Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, when he indisputably made contact with the opponent before anything else, leaving no room for uncertainty. In my opinion, it is indisputable that Darwin [Nunez] is the first to touch the ball, definitely making contact with it, while Bogle goes over him. In my perspective, it is not considered a foul.