Liverpool winger Luis Diaz wiped out by Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez as he scored opening goal - so why didn't VAR issue a red card?
Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz was clattered by Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez as he scored the opening goal in Saturday's Premier League clash, with many believing he should've seen a red card for the action.
The Reds took the lead less than 20 minutes into the top-flight match as Diaz got onto the end of a lofted pass from Joel Matip to head into the net.
But just after the Colombia international got his head to the ball, goalkeeper Sanchez clashed with him and knocked him to the ground as he rushed out to try to close his opponent down.
Watch: Sanchez collides with Diaz (UK & US only)
Luis Diaz opens the scoring after an incredible pass from Joël Matip! 🔥
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 12, 2022
Despite being taken out by Robert Sánchez the Liverpool forward is ok to carry on 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Vka83JoN2X
Here's the Luis Diaz goal which made it 1-0 for Liverpool.
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) March 12, 2022
💻: @peacockTV #MyPLMorning \\ #BHALIV pic.twitter.com/LL4DTTk1LD
What happened?
Despite Sanchez smashing into the 25-year-old, the goalkeeper was not punished for the incident.
The collision was reviewed by VAR but the officials decided not to take action.
The attacker needed medical attention following the hit but was able to continue playing.
Former Manchester United star Gary Neville expressed his outrage on social media following the clash and tweeted: "If it’s an outfield player on an outfield player = red card.
"If it’s an outfield player on a GK = red card.
"GK on an outfield player = no red card."
Indeed, there was further disagreement about the decision on social media, with Sanchez seemingly being fortunate to stay on the pitch.
If it’s an outfield player on an outfield player = red card
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) March 12, 2022
If it’s an outfield player on a GK = red card
GK on an outfield player = no red card
I’m convinced the red card wasn’t given because it was a goal. That header goes past the post & it’s a red card. It’s almost like, a goal is enough. #BHALIV
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) March 12, 2022
Brilliant Diaz. Brave and gets his reward 👏🏻👏🏻 #BHALIV
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) March 12, 2022
Diaz scores but he's been clattered by the goalkeeper.
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) March 12, 2022
Physios on, but Liverpool are ahead. It's a hefty whack for Diaz from Sanchez. Could be a red card.
VAR says no red....... Strange. Keeper has absolutely clattered him. So brave from Diaz, who thankfully is okay and able to continue after treatment.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) March 12, 2022
Luis Diaz took one for the team 🤕 pic.twitter.com/WECLcTjNXt
— GOAL (@goal) March 12, 2022
Astonishing that Robert Sanchez is still on the field for Brighton after that challenge on Luis Diaz.
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) March 12, 2022
Not even booked.
Something’s odd here
— 𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙢 (@OfficialVizeh) March 12, 2022
Because Diaz scored it’s not even a yellow card, but if Diaz missed it would be a Penalty and a red
Mind Boggling
🙄| Not even a yellow…
— The Kopite (@_TheKopite) March 12, 2022
Anywhere else on the pitch and that’s a red card all day long. Diaz could’ve been really seriously injured there. pic.twitter.com/h5SKhGdlgc
View from the Amex | Liverpool correspondent Neil Jones
"It looked a bad one at first glance, and the replays only confirmed it.
"Robert Sanchez is one very lucky boy. So is Luis Diaz, to be fair.
"The Liverpool man is lucky not to have picked up a serious injury from the Brighton goalkeeper’s reckless challenge.
"At least the Colombian had the sizeable consolation of a first Premier League goal to go with his bruise.
"Quite why Mike Dean, the referee, was not asked by Stuart Attwell, the VAR, to at least view the incident again on the pitchside monitor is anyone’s guess.
"Had Dean done so, it would have been hard to come to any other conclusion than it was a red card offence.
"It was high, dangerous, reckless and certainly worthy of dismissal. As it is, Liverpool have the lead, but Brighton - and Diaz - are fortunate that that is the extent of the damage done.