An independent panel from the Premier League has ruled that Diogo Jota’s red card during Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat against Tottenham was an incorrect decision. The Portuguese forward, introduced at half-time, received two yellow cards in quick succession with about 20 minutes left on the clock.
The panel’s review highlighted that the second of two tackles on Destiny Udogie “did not meet the threshold” for a booking, challenging the initial decision made by referee Simon Hooper. Jota’s first yellow card, given without any contact with Udogie, also faced scrutiny.
The panel’s conclusion contradicts the widely held view that the second booking was justified. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, expressed his disbelief in a pre-Union SG press conference, emphasizing his disagreement with the dismissal.
This latest revelation adds to the frustration among Liverpool fans, still reeling from other officiating controversies during the match. The acknowledgment of a “significant human error” that disallowed Luis Diaz’s goal and the unsuccessful appeal against Curtis Jones’ dismissal further compounds the contentious nature of the game.
The fallout from this match continues, with VAR officials Darren England and Dan Cook being stood down, and Jota’s case could reignite debates around VAR and referee decisions in the Premier League.
