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    Jurgen Klopp left in disbelief as Liverpool denied Carabao Cup final opening goal after ‘unforgivable’ error

    LIVERPOOL controversially had an opener in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea ruled out.Virgil van Dijk looked to have put his side ahead with a towering header from a Liverpool free-kick.
    Endo was judged to be offsideCredit: Sky Sports
    Van Dijk couldn’t believe the decisionCredit: Sky Sports
    Klopp couldn’t understand why the goal had been ruled outCredit: Getty
    But the goal was struck off after the intervention of VAR.
    Wataru Endo was judged to be offside in the build-up to Van Dijk heading in.
    The player utilised the commonly used tactic of starting in an offside position while the free-kick is being prepared.
    But VAR judged his attempts to move back into an onside position to have interfered with Ben Chilwell’s attempts to stop Van Dijk.
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    Jurgen Klopp stood aghast on the sidelines – with the decision looking like a harsh one.
    Fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) couldn’t believe the decision.
    They argued that Chilwell was not marking Endo and therefore his movement had no influence on the goal.
    One fan wrote: “That’s a awful decision. Colwill is marking Endo not Van Dijk he is never getting there so the offside is irrelevant.”
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    Another added: “That’s an awful decision. Endo didn’t move, he didn’t move into Colwills position. Football is dying.”
    A third said: “Utter shambles that that’s offside! Even if Endo doesn’t touch him he’s not getting close to VVD.”
    Jamie Carragher reveals absolutely savage X-rated text Gary Neville sent over Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool exit
    But not everyone agreed, with one writing: “That’s lazy from Endo. Unforgivable really.”
    It wasn’t the first time in the game that what appeared to be an opener was ruled out.
    Raheem Sterling looked to have put Chelsea ahead in the first half when he tapped a Nicolas Jackson cross in at the far post.
    But the goal was ruled out due to Nicolas Jackson’s leg narrowly being ahead of Ibrahima Konate’s when the ball was played. More

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    Jurgen Klopp’s injury crisis gets worse as Liverpool star carried off on stretcher in Carabao Cup final

    LIVERPOOL suffered another injury blow during the Carabao Cup final as Ryan Gravenberch was stretchered off.After just 23 minutes, the Dutch midfielder had to be carried off the field after a late tackle from Moises Caicedo.
    Moises Caicedo’s late tackle hurt Ryan GravenberchCredit: Sky Sports
    The Liverpool midfielder went down holding his ankleCredit: Sky Sports
    Gravenberch went off on a stretcherCredit: Sky Sports
    The Chelsea star caught Gravenberch with his studs on the ankle.
    Liverpool’s man was down for several minutes receiving treatment before a decision was made that he could not continue.
    Caicedo went unpunished for the challenge, which was checked by VAR.
    Jurgen Klopp was furious over the tackle and he ranted at the fourth official.
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    Gravenberch being unable to continue forced the manager into a tactical rethink with defender Joe Gomez coming on.
    Liverpool are already in the midst of an injury crisis with ten first-team players already in the treatment room.
    Alisson, Joel Matip, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Thiago Alcantara, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Stefan Bajcetic, Mo Salah, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez all missed today’s game with fitness issues.
    Caicedo’s tackle on Gravenberch was not the only controversial moment of the first-half.
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    Raheem Sterling had the ball in the back of the net for Chelsea, only for Nicolas Jackson to be ruled as marginally offside in the build-up.
    It is unclear how long Gravenberch will be out for but the Reds will be desperate for the injury to be minor with the Premier League title race hotting up.
    Meet the WAGs of Chelsea and Liverpool, from a model to a friend of Messi’s wife
    Liverpool are currently top of the table by one point.
    They face Southampton next in the FA Cup on Wednesday. More

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    Chelsea vs Liverpool – Carabao Cup final LIVE: Sterling has goal RULED OUT by VAR and Palmer denied by Kelleher – latest

    CHELSEA will be out to seek revenge for their 2022 heartbreak as they take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final – and they’ll be confident after seeing Mo Salah is OUT of the squad.Jurgen Klopp’s Reds came out on top in the most recent Wembley showpiece between these two English giants
    But with Liverpool’s injuries and Chelsea finding a bit of form, Mauricio Pochettino’s men will feel as if this is their year.

    Kick-off time: 3pm GMT
    Live stream: NOW TV
    TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Football
    Chelsea starting XI:  Petrovic, Gusto, Colwill, Disasi, Chilwell, Enzo, Gallagher, Caicedo, Palmer, Sterling, Jackson
    Liverpool starting XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Elliott, Gakpo, Diaz
    Explainer: Why is the game kicking off at 3pm?

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    Word from the ground
    SunSport’s Tom Sheen is at Wembley covering the Carabao Cup Final between Chelsea and Liverpool.
    Here’s what Tom think of the dramatic first half:
    SunSport’s Tom Sheen’s half-time report from Carabao Cup final as Chelsea robbed by VAR
    Copy linkCopiedLiverpool vs Chelsea stats
    Liverpool dominated 54 per cent of possession in the Carabao Cup Final.
    The Reds registered a total of eight shots, three of which were on target.
    The Blues, on the other hand, produced three shots, two of which were on target,
    More below:

    Copy linkCopiedHT: Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Liverpool and Chelsea are goalless at half-time in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley.
    However, both sets of teams feel they have reason to protest the outcome of the first half.
    The Reds’ massive injury list grew even bigger as Ryan Gravenberch was stretchered off with an ankle injury after Moises Caicedo appeared to have stepped and twisted the Dutchman’s foot.
    The Blues, on the other hand, were denied an opener after Raheem Sterling hit the back of the net.
    However, the referee and VAR deemed Nicolas Jackson was offside in the build-up down the right where he met a ball by Conor Gallagher in midfield before the Senegal international found Sterling at the far post.
    Replays show it was a very close call and if Jackson was offside then it was down to mere millimetres.
    Credit: Getty
    Copy linkCopied

    HT: Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Peep!
    That’s half-time at Wembley!!!
    Copy linkCopied
    45+2 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Yellow card
    Chelsea captain Chilwell and Liverpool youngster Bradley are booked after getting embroiled in a scuffle.
    The 20-year-old lunged on the England international rather carelessly down the left and the latter didn’t take kindly to it.
    That led to a pushing contest that got both sets of players involved until the ref separated the,
    Copy linkCopied45 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Six minutes of added time to go at Wembley!
    Makes sense after Gravenberch’s injury and Sterling’s disallowed goal which led to a VAR check…
    Credit: Reuters
    Credit: Reuters
    Copy linkCopied
    45 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Chance!
    Liverpool star Diaz moves the ball forward and tries to find a team-mate at the far post.
    Bradley ultimately gets it and tries a shot that is blocked by Chelsea’s defenders!
    Copy linkCopied42 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Gusto loses the ball again down the right because of his heavy touch and that leads to another cheap throw-in.
    Some of Liverpool’s biggest chances started out down the right-back’s flank.
    Copy linkCopied40 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    What a chance!
    Liverpool almost break the deadlock just before half-time!
    Disasi is dispossessed – another defensive gaffe from Chelsea – and that leads to a crisp cross from Robertson.
    The Sot finds Gakpo at the far post and his header hits Petrovic’s post!
    Copy linkCopied40 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    We are closing in on half-time at Wembley.
    An exciting first half despite the goalless draw with a couple of major talking points.
    Copy linkCopied38 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Chelsea’s disallowed goal has fuelled Pochettino’s side as they look far more dangerous on attack.
    Sterling, Gallagher and Palmer are causing all sorts of problems.
    This might also be down to Gravenberch’s withdrawal as well as Liverpool’s growing injury crisis…
    Copy linkCopied35 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Chelsea’s goal will be the talk of the town regardless of how the Carabao Cup Final goes.
    If Jackson was offside in the build-up down the right flank then he must have been mere millimetres.
    Copy linkCopied32 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Chelsea have a goal chalked off for offside as Gallagher delivers a ball forward for Jackson who the ref deemed was off.
    The Senegal international then found Sterling on his left and the winger beat Kelleher.
    A VAR check agrees with the ref, but this looks like an extremely close call with many claiming Jackson was on…
    Copy linkCopied32 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    No Goal!
    Sterling’s goal chalked off for offside!!!
    Copy linkCopied30 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Liverpool Klopp retains his signature 4-3-3 formation after Gravenberch was stretchered out.
    Badley moves up to attack in the right wing with Elliott moving back to midfield while Gomez plays at right-back.
    Credit: AFP

    Copy linkCopied28 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Substitution
    Gravenberch can’t continue and is stretchered off, thus Liverpool boss Klopp is forced to make the first substitution of the Carabao Cup Final.
    Gomez comes on for the midfielder.
    Credit: Getty
    Copy linkCopied
    26 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

    Liverpool boss Klopp is furious as replays show Caicedo stepped on Gravenberch’s ankle during their challenge.
    The Reds are calling for a red card as the stretcher comes out for the Netherlands international.
    The Chelsea ace’s foot twisted his fellow midfielder’s ankle badly.
    Gomez getting ready to come on.
    Copy linkCopied25 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Liverpool ace Gravenberch is on the ground with immense pain after hurting his ankle and is receiving treatment.
    The midfielder got hurt during a challenge with Caicedo and the Reds’ manager Klopp is watching with concern amid his ongoing injury crisis.
    Copy linkCopied23 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Liverpool enjoyed a better start at the final but are very lucky not to be trailing.
    Much to thank Kelleher and Endo for with their life-saving blocks against Palmer and Jackson respectively.
    Copy linkCopied21 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    What a chance!
    How are Chelsea not leading?!
    Palmer finds himself right in front of Kelleher but the Liverpool keeper denies the England international’s shot with one arm.
    But Jackson gets the rebound but his shot is blocked by Endo’s critical tackle.
    Copy linkCopied20 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Chelsea ace Gusto is struggling on the right flank as his heavy touches have led to him losing the ball and giving away a free-throw twice.
    A turbulent start for the Blues’ backline.
    Copy linkCopied18 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Chelsea’s defenders are making numerous mistakes at the back which allows Liverpool to dispossess them.
    But a very good first half by Petrovic so far with some critical saves.
    Copy linkCopied15 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    What a chance!
    And what a gaffe by Disasi who trips at the back and is dispossessed by Gakpo.
    The winger passes to Diaz who delivers a powerful shot but Petrovic falls to his right and denies the Colombia international.
    The Chelsea goalkeeper spared Disasi’s blushes big time there!
    Copy linkCopied14 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Chance
    Liverpool respond immediately to Gusto’s effort as Mac Allister delivers a powerful shot that is palmed away by Petrovic.
    Copy linkCopied13 Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
    Chance
    Chelsea register their first chance of the match as Chilwell’s free-kick is headed away.
    But Gusto is waiting on the edge of the box and delivers a volley that lacks power and ends up in Kelleher’s safe hands.
    Copy linkCopied More

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    Thousands of Liverpool fans risk missing Carabao Cup final kick off as ‘tickets not working’ at Wembley

    THOUSANDS of Liverpool fans are at risk of missing the Carabao Cup final due to Wembley ticketing issues, it has been reported. Liverpool are due to kick off against Chelsea at 3pm for a chance at winning the first silverware of the season.
    Liverpool fans are reporting major ticket issues at WembleyCredit: Rex
    More than 85,000 fans are expected to be in attendance at the match.
    However, travelling Reds have experienced problems getting into the stadium.
    BBC reporter Nick Parrott said “hundreds if not thousands” of digital tickets were not working for fans trying to get through the turnstile ahead of kick-off.
    Fans experiencing issues have subsequently been directed to the ticket office, where paper tickets have been printed.
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    It was also reported fans with square QR codes were working properly.
    SunSport have approached Wembley Stadium for comment.
    The match, a repeat of the 2022 final, was moved from its original 4:30pm slot after a Metropolitan Police request.
    Police deemed the fixture to be “high risk”.
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    On the move, an EFL spokesperson said: “Following representations from the @metpoliceuk, the local safety advisory group has determined the 2024 @Carabao_Cup Final will now kick-off at 3pm.
    “Having previously scheduled the usual 4.30pm kick-off time with @wembleystadium and @SkySports, it is disappointing to note the change at this late stage.”
    How Chelsea lined up against Liverpool in 2022 Carabao Cup final with just TWO of starting XI still at club
    Line-ups for the clash have now been announced, with Jurgen Klopp without the services of talisman Mohamed Salah.
    Klopp, who announced he was leaving the club at the end of the season, is also without Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai after they were not deemed fit enough to play.
    You can see the full line-ups below:
    Chelsea XI
    Here’s how Chelsea line up at Wembley
    Liverpool XI
    Here’s how Liverpool line up at Wembley
    You can follow all the action with our live blog by clicking here. More

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    John Terry posts naked photo holding Carabao Cup with a cheeky caption ahead of cup final with Liverpool

    JOHN TERRY showed his excitement for the Carabao Cup final by posting a naked snap of him with the trophy.Chelsea face Liverpool at Wembley this afternoon in a battle to clinch the first piece of silverware this season.
    John Terry got into the mood for the Carabao Cup final by posting an unusual throwback snapCredit: @johnterry.26
    Blues legend Terry got in the mood for the game by posting a bizarre throwback photo on Instagram.
    The former captain is stood in the dressing room without any clothes on with just the trophy covering his private parts.
    He cheekily captioned the post: “It’s a good job these tassels are long.”
    Fans found it hilarious, one said: “I love this man.”
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    Another added: “My captain.”
    A third joked about him putting his shirt on to celebrate Champions League final victory despite not playing in 2012, saying: “Wears full kit when he don’t play and f**k all when he does.”
    Terry won three League Cups during his 19 years at the club.
    His first taste of glory in the competition came in 2005 as Chelsea beat Liverpool 3-2.
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    Two years later he lifted the trophy again as a Didier Drogba double saw off Arsenal 2-1 in the final.
    Then his stripping off snap came after Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 in 2015.
    Meet the WAGs of Chelsea and Liverpool, from a model to a friend of Messi’s wife
    The goals that day came from Terry and Diego Costa.
    Chelsea have twice been to the final since, losing twice on penalties to Manchester City in 2019 and Liverpool two years ago. More

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    Three key Liverpool stars missing from pre-match walk in hint Jurgen Klopp facing Carabao Cup final selection crisis

    LIVERPOOL have been hit with a potential selection crisis on the day of the Carabao Cup final – after some key stars were noted to be absent from the team’s walk around Wembley.Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai were all absent as Jurgen Klopp’s side inspected the Wembley pitch.
    Jurgen Klopp led his team around WembleyCredit: Rex
    Three key players were absent from Liverpool’s pre-match walkCredit: Rex
    Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor brings us an early update from Wembley, with Liverpool potentially short of three key figures for their EFL Cup final clash against Chelsea 🔴 pic.twitter.com/sn85xFMCkx— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 25, 2024

    All three players were unavailable for Liverpool’s 4-1 win last time out in the Premier League against Luton and were doubts for today’s game.
    But there were hopes that at least one of the players would be in contention to play a role in the final today.
    Nunez’s injury was thought to be the most minor of the three, and many expected him to be fit enough at least for the bench.
    But his absence is likely to see Cody Gakpo lead the line for the Reds again.
    READ MORE ON THE CARABAO CUP
    The trios potential absence is the latest in a developing injury crisis at Liverpool.
    The Reds are without 10 first-team names in total.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Alisson, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic are all also ruled out of the Carabao Cup final with long term injuries.
    Klopp has done a remarkable job in dealing with the injuries so far, with the manager still on track to sign off from his time at Liverpool with a quadruple.
    Most read in Football
    The club currently lead Manchester City in the title race by a point, and could take their first step towards a quad if they beat Chelsea today.
    They are also in the fifth round of the FA Cup, where they will be taking on Championship promotion hopefuls Southampton.
    Unearthed video shows Xabi Alonso admitting Liverpool job is his DREAM after Jurgen Klopp quit
    Their round of 16 Europa League draw also proved to be a kind one, with Liverpool being drawn against Sparta Prague. More

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    Why is Chelsea vs Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final kicking off at 3pm?

    CHELSEA and Liverpool are all set to battle it out in a cracking Carabao Cup final – but the match will kick off at an unusual time.The Blues are targeting revenge on Liverpool for their 2022 final defeat.
    Liverpool beat Chelsea to win the Carabao Cup in 2022Credit: PA
    While Jurgen Klopp is hoping to have one of the most successful endings to a managerial reign which would include achieving Carabao Cup success.
    But as some fans go back and forth on who they think will win this contest, the rest are scratching their heads as to why the match gets underway at 3pm.
    Why is Chelsea vs Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final kicking off at 3pm?
    The Metropolitan Police requested that the final be brought forward as it has been deemed a ‘high risk’ fixture.
    Initially, the Wembley showpiece was due to get underway at 4:30pm GMT.
    Read more on Carabao Cup final
    However, the cops have had their wish granted which means that the match will start at 3pm – 90 minutes earlier.
    What has been said?
    An EFL spokesperson said: “Following representations from the @metpoliceuk, the local safety advisory group has determined the 2024 @Carabao_Cup Final will now kick-off at 3pm.
    “Having previously scheduled the usual 4.30pm kick off time with @wembleystadium and @SkySports, it is disappointing to note the change at this late stage.”
    The FA has issued a 3pm TV blackout on Saturdays since the 1960s and is set to stay for another five years.
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    However it does not apply for Sundays, meaning the Carabao Cup clash can proceed with the amended time.
    When is the Carabao Cup final?

    his season’s Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool will take place Sunday, February 25.
    The kick-off time is yet to be confirmed but it is expected to get underway at around the same time as the 2023 final – 3pm GMT
    Wembley Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 90,000 roaring fans.
    Manchester United comfortably beat Newcastle 2-0 in last year’s curtain closer. More

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    Chelsea boss Pochettino facing FA probe over claims officials ‘favour’ Liverpool ahead of Carabao Cup final clash

    CHELSEA boss Mauricio Pochettino faces an FA probe for his outburst about match officials favouring Liverpool.In the build-up to the Carabao Cup final against the Reds, Pochettino claimed on-field and VAR officials treated the Blues unfairly in the 4-1 defeat at Anfield on January 31.
    Mauricio Pochettino suggested his side were treated unfairly in their trip to Anfield last monthCredit: Reuters
    Chelsea claim they should have had a penalty for a foul on Conor GallagherCredit: TNT Sports
    Head coach Pochettino appeared to link the performance of referee Paul Tierney and his team to Kop boss Jurgen Klopp announcing a few days before that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
    And the FA are set to study Pochettino’s comments to see if they merit a charge.
    Pochettino went to great lengths to make his point about Liverpool in his pre-final press conference in what could be regarded as an attempt to influence today’s referee Chris Kavanagh.
    The Blues boss said: “We need to be sure we are going to compete and be fair in every single decision.
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    “When we played Liverpool at Anfield, not one key decision was for us. Two penalties were not given.
    “Duels, 50-50s, always red. I want to be treated in a fair way.
    “I am the first to say Liverpool is amazing and Klopp is one of the best coaches in the world.
    “But after my last experience playing there, what I want is to play a game at the same level and the best team wins.
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    “We want both clubs to be seen in the same way.”
    And when asked if Chelsea were playing the role of party poopers as Liverpool try to send off Klopp in style, Pochettino said: “No. We want to win because of Chelsea.
    Petr Cech questions decade-long Mauricio Pochettino tactic that risks ruining Chelsea key man
    “Of course Liverpool want to win. But please, not another party involved in the game will be part of the celebration that Klopp is leaving, no? That is important.”
    Chelsea were particularly furious that they were not awarded penalties at Anfield for fouls on Conor Gallager and Christopher Nkunku.
    Pochettino was unhappy that VAR did not intervene and ask Tierney to look again at his decisions.
    VAR will be used in today’s final for the first time in this season’s Carabao Cup.
    Pochettino said: “I am pro-VAR.
    “But the problem is always the same: who are the referees that are watching the TV and how we use VAR.
    “The system, the technology is not the problem. I think it helps.
    “The way it is used between the referees on the pitch and the referees in the room, that is the key.
    “Sometimes the same situation brings a different decision. That is the difficult thing for coaches to accept, and the fans.”
    Pochettino was able to see the funny side about what happened last time he faced Klopp and Liverpool in a showpiece game.
    The Argentine led Spurs to the 2019 Champions League final, only for referee Damir Skomina to award a controversial penalty against Tottenham’s Moussa Sissoko for handball in the opening minute.
    Uefa had introduced VAR to their flagship competition for the first time in the 2019 knockout rounds, but the video officials saw no reason to overturn Skomina’s decision.
    Pochettino laughed as he said: “Were we playing with VAR or without? Because the ball on Sissoko after 30 seconds was here [pointing to his armpit].
    “Today do you think they would give a penalty?”
    But Pochettino was not joking in his comments about the officials in Chelsea’s last meeting with Liverpool.
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    Ironically, Klopp himself was charged with improper conduct for comments he made about Tierney after Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Tottenham last season.
    Klopp copped a two-match touchline ban and a £75,000 fine for accusing Tierney of being biased against the Reds. More