Liverpool’s staff reflected in private that Cristiano Ronaldo had been saved by VAR after calls for him to be sent off at Old Trafford, according to the Athletic.
Lucky Ronaldo?
As the Reds’ team bus made its way back to Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp and his back-room team apparently were discussing Anthony Taylor’s performance.
Taylor did send off Paul Pogba in the 5-0 demolition, but there was a feeling among Liverpool’s coaching team that United were lucky that more players hadn’t been sent from the field.
Ronaldo was one of the Red Devils candidates, who perhaps could have been dismissed on another day.
He lashed angrily at the ball twice with Curtis Jones laying on the ground.
While Ronaldo did get the ball both times, the action was highly aggressive and ultimately earned him a yellow card.
Klopp said after the game that he hadn’t wanted Ronaldo to get sent off.
And Liverpool’s coaching staff ultimately concluded that the Portuguese legend had been entitled to go for the ball, even if the incident was a ‘little bit naughty’.
There was seemingly a feeling among Liverpool staff that before the technology was around Ronaldo could have walked for his actions, but on video it was clear that he had kicked the ball first rather than the player on both occasions.
Loving the reaction
Klopp’s staff are said to have loved the way that both Curtis Jones and his teammates reacted to the incident though.
Jones did not retaliate, while Liverpool’s squad all came to the defence of the young midfielder.
It was a show of togetherness from Liverpool, who let their football do the talking on Sunday.
The Reds were unstoppable as they scored time and time again against United to earn a historic victory at Old Trafford.
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