02 October 2023 , 13:50
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Erik ten Hag has claimed he “trusts” referees despite the ongoing controversy surrounding Liverpool ’s defeat to Tottenham.
The Reds found themselves on the wrong end of a number of decisions in North London on Saturday. Both Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota were awarded red cards - the former seeing VAR intervene to give him his dismissal.
The controversy did not end there. Luis Diaz had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside, with VAR sticking with the original on-field decision despite replays proving it was incorrect. The PGMOL have revealed that “human error” led to the mistake, whilst Liverpool have declared their intentions to “explore the range of options available.”
Manchester United boss Ten Hag was asked his opinions of the current outlook of refereeing in the Premier League and was keen not to point the finger, instead insisting he has his full faith in them going forward.
"I don't give comments often on refereeing because they do what they need to do. The standards need to be high," the Dutchman said in a press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray.
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"You can expect, the fans can, a high standard, so it should be because it's the Premier League. I'm sure they do what they can. I trust them."
Jurgen Klopp was left baffled by a number of refereeing decisions vs Tottenham (Getty Images)What do you think needs to be done to improve VAR? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Ten Hag’s comments are unlikely to go down well with Jurgen Klopp, who was left furious at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. "I was never more proud of the team than today. I never saw a game like this with the most unfair circumstances, crazy decisions,” he said.
"We scored an own goal, that is really tough to take but I am really proud. The first red card, Curtis steps on the ball and goes over. Not a bad tackle. It looks different in slow motion. He steps full throttle on the ball and goes over the ball. That is unlucky. [For Diogo Jota] first yellow was not a yellow. Then he gets a second and to defend with nine players is tricky.”
On Diaz’s disallowed goal, the German added: "The offside goal. That is not offside when you see it, they drew their lines wrong. The ball is between Mo's legs, they drew the line wrong and didn't judge the moment when Mo passed the ball right. It is so tough to deal with it."
Liverpool’s anger may only worsen with a couple of fines potentially on their way for the Merseysiders. The FA have previously fined clubs with more than five bookings in a game - with the Reds meeting the criteria against Spurs.
Alexis Mac Allister could also face a separate fine for his comments on social media insinuating that the officials were in favour of the home side.