Gary Neville has stated that Naby Keita shouldn’t have been sent off during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea on Sunday at Wembley, as he told Sky Sports Football.
This despite Neville admitting that on-field referee, Stuart Atwell, was ‘wrong’ to not avoid Chelsea a free-kick for Keita’s high tackle on Trevor Chalobah in the second half.
Both players contested for a 50-50 ball, but Chalobah was the only one to get a touch on the ball, with Keita catching the Chelsea man in the groin with his studs up.
Despite that dangerous and high tackle by Liverpool’s midfielder, no foul was given, nor did VAR second-check it.
Given that Liverpool ended up winning the game on penalties in dramatic fashion, it became a controversial moment, as Neville shared his thoughts on the matter.
“Well, he (referee) has let most things go,” said Neville. “It did look a little dangerous. Maybe both players went in the same.
“I thought Keita was late, but I might be wrong. That wasn’t great by Keita. That was a foul.
“The referee has got a lot right today and he gets that one wrong. He just misses the ball and it’s that follow through.
“It’s not a red card, but I do think it was a foul.”
Keita wasn’t initially meant to start the game because it was Thiago Alcantara who was named in the starting XI.
But the former Bayern Munich man picked up an injury during the warm-ups and he had to be replaced – the Spain international was in tears just before kick-off.
Nonetheless, even though the game finished 0-0, it was perhaps one of the most entertaining goalless draws you will see.
From numerous goals being ruled offside, Kepa Arrizabalaga came on just for penalties, only for his spot-kick to hand Liverpool their ninth League Cup crown.
All in all, it was a drama-filled evening at Wembley and there will be Chelsea fans questioning some of the calls made.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
