THE Premier League have rushed to explain Andy Robertson’s controversial red card in Liverpool’s dramatic clash against Fulham.
The defender cut across and hauled ex-Reds winger Harry Wilson down just outside the right of the box after just 17 minutes.
Whistler Tony Harrington instantly dismissed the Scot – sparking divided opinion from fans on social media.
The Prem promptly released a statement to clarify Harrington’s verdict.
It read: “The referee issued a red card to Robertson for a foul on Wilson which denied a goal scoring opportunity.
“VAR checked to confirm the red card and that Wilson was in an onside position.”
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Ropbertson had deflected in Andreas Pereira’s opener for Fulham six minutes earlier.
And it meant Prem leaders Liverpool faced a tough second-half test to rescue the match.
Some fans reckoned Robertson was harshly done by – but others claimed he’d obviously robbed the visitors of a clear scoring chance.
But it was certainly true that it was his poor touch – as Wilson zoomed across – that left him vulnerable.
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In the end Robertson flew into a tangle with Wilson that sent the Welsh wideman tumbling over.
Fulham almost scored from the loose ball anyway.
But when Harrington blew for the foul – and flashed his red card – Robertson and his team-mates protested in vain.
One viewer posted: “No way the referee gave Andrew Robertson red card for this after not giving 2 blatant ones [for two Fulham challenges].”
But others suggested the left-back has struggled for form since returning from injury – and might need replacing in the January transfer window.
Onhe wrote: “What an absolute stinking afternoon for Andrew Robertson. Had that collision earlier, then deflected Pereira’s shot in and then has been sent off.”
Another added: “Andy Robertson has been woeful since coming back from injury. Two penalties conceded and now sent off. I think we need a new left back.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk