Sadio Mane accused of ‘GOUGING’ Holgate’s eye in Everton scuffle as Souness admits Liverpool star is ‘lucky’ to stay on
LIVERPOOL ace Sadio Mane was “lucky” to stay on the pitch in the 2-0 win over Everton after a “gouge” on Toffees defender Mason Holgate.
Mane was in the wars in the Merseyside derby and raised his hand towards an opponent on TWO separate occasions.
The Senegal hero was first booked for a push in Everton midfielder Allan’s face.
He then put his hand in Holgate’s face, pushing his nose, but escaped further punishment.
Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has admitted Mane was “lucky” to stay on the pitch.
The Sky Sports pundit and Reds legend said: “Mane’s lucky here. He’s pushed someone, maybe actually tried to poke someone.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
“There’s more intent than just a push.”
And former Everton and Arsenal ace Kevin Campbell has accused Mane of attempting to “gouge” Holgate’s eye.
Campbell said on Sky Sports after Souness: “That’s a gouge.”
The scuffles weren’t the only controversy in Sunday’s derby.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Everton were seemingly denied a stonewall penalty early on in the second half with the game tied at 0-0.
Youngster Anthony Gordon was brought down inside Liverpool’s penalty area by Joel Matip, but referee Stuart Atwell didn’t point to the spot.
A potential goal for Everton could’ve been vital in their bid to steer clear of the bottom three.
And Everton boss Frank Lampard believes if the same happened to Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in front of the Kop, ref Stuart Atwell would’ve pointed to the spot.
Lampard moaned: “It was a penalty, you don’t get them at Anfield.
Liverpool got lucky, says Mark Halsey
EVERTON were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Liverpool defender Joel Matip shoved Anthony Gordon.
The Everton midfielder was rightly cautioned in the first-half for diving and his reputation may have gone before him after he was denied a spot-kick later on.
But while referee Stuart Attwell dealt with a first-half melee well, he made a clear and obvious error in not awarding a penalty.
He was catching up with play during the incident but why would Gordon risk being sent off for deceiving the ref again?
The match centre said they would have not overturned his decision had he awarded a penalty but I was surprised VAR did not recommend a review.
Richarlison can count himself lucky for just being cautioned for kicking out at Jordan Henderson.
He could have easily been shown a red card and banned for three games for violent conduct.
“If that was Mohamed Salah at the Kop end, I think [the referee] gives that. It was a foul on Anthony.”
Former Premier League ref Mark Halsey says Atwell made a “Clear and obvious error” in not awarding the Toffees a spot-kick.
He told SunSport: “Everton were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Liverpool defender Joel Matip shoved Anthony Gordon.
“The Everton midfielder was rightly cautioned in the first-half for diving and his reputation may have gone before him after he was denied a spot-kick later on.
“But while referee Stuart Attwell dealt with a first-half melee well, he made a clear and obvious error in not awarding a penalty.”
Read More on The Sun
Goals by Andy Robertson and second half substitute Divock Origi sealed the derby win for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
The three points lifts the Reds within one of table topper Manchester City.