Andy Robertson was shown a red card just 17 minutes into Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Fulham, with the decision checked by VAR before the Scotland left-back was given his marching orders
Liverpool’s Andy Robertson saw red just 17 minutes into the game against Fulham after an earlier incident that had him writhing in pain, prompting a VAR review. The Scottish defender was on the wrong end of a high boot from Fulham’s Issa Diop at Anfield, leading to a lengthy check by officials, but no red card.
The Premier League’s Match Centre X account clarified the situation with a statement: “The referee issued a yellow card to Diop for a challenge on Robertson. VAR checked for a potential red card and confirmed the referee’s call of reckless challenge and yellow card.”
Despite this, Fulham managed to snatch the lead with Andreas Pereira nailing a goal past Robertson, who couldn’t stop the ball at the line.
Things went from bad to worse for Robertson when he fouled Harry Wilson, resulting in a direct sending off by referee Tony Harrington.
The decision underwent a VAR check for possible offside and to determine if Robertson was the last man, as Virgil van Dijk was nearby, but the red card stood firm. The Premier League later stated: “The referee issued a red card to Robertson for a foul on Wilson which denied a goal scoring opportunity. VAR checked to confirm the red card and that Wilson was in an onside position.”
In addition to Diop’s booking and Robertson’s red card, referee Harrington issued three more yellow cards within the first 30 minutes of the match. Luis Diaz was cautioned for a high foot on Jorge Cuenca during an attempted overhead kick, while Fulham duo Pereira and Robinson also received bookings, reports the Mirror.
Liverpool entered the match with a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League and a game in hand over second-placed Chelsea. The game stands with Fulham leading by one goal heading into half time. at the time of writing.