Premier League explain controversial red card decision in Liverpool vs Brighton
Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez was fortunate to escape a red card after catching Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz with a high foot in their Premier League game at Anfield
by Felix Keith · The MirrorThe Premier League have explained why Brighton star Diego Gomez escaped a red card for a high tackle on Florian Wirtz. The Liverpool playmaker went down in pain at the end of the first half at Anfield after being caught in the stomach by Gomez's studs.
Referee Craig Pawson issued a yellow card for the mistimed challenge and the incident was checked by VAR Darren England. It was decided that a yellow card was sufficient, despite pundits and the home fans believing otherwise.
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "The challenge on Wirtz is a really poor one from Gomez. It's really high and catches Wirtz in the stomach. He must've been booked from that? So high and dangerous. Another day, he could've seen red."
The Premier League Match Centre wrote: "The referee’s call of yellow card to Gomez was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge on Wirtz deemed not to be with excessive force and not serious foul play."
While the Paraguay international avoided an immediate dismissal, it was Gomez's fifth yellow card of the season, meaning he will miss the next Brighton match against Sunderland.
Although they were unhappy with the decision, Liverpool went into the half-time break the happier side thanks to Hugo Ekitike's goal. The French striker blasted them into the lead inside the first minute before Mohamed Salah was brought into the match.
An injury to Joe Gomez prompted Arne Slot to bring on the Egyptian forward and move Dominik Szoboszlai to right-back. It comes the day after the Liverpool manager and star player held clear-the-air talks following Salah's explosive comments last weekend.
Sutton added: "Arne Slot wanted a fast start, all the talk about Salah before the game, and they did get a fast start.
"Ekitike who has had a really good start to his Liverpool career with a ruthless finish. It's been a good game though because you feel like there's something still in it for Brighton."
Liverpool came into the match on a four-game unbeaten streak, in four games that Salah has not started. The defending Premier League champions have struggled this season after spending £450million on new players but their 1-0 win over Inter Milan on Tuesday showed signs they may be turning the corner.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
£35 (was £49)
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.