Gary Lineker weighs in on Liverpool "mess" with surprising Andy Robertson verdict

Gary Lineker was left stunned as Liverpool failed to protest Andy Robertson’s 17th-minute red card during their 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday afternoon. The Match of the Day host labelled the entire situation “a mess” while dissecting the decision on the BBC’s flagship programme.

After a 10-day hiatus from Premier League football, the Reds hosted Fulham at Anfield, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table. Depending on one’s perspective, they either gained a single point or lost two.

Robertson’s early dismissal significantly influenced the outcome, leaving Liverpool with only 10 players for nearly 80 minutes after he was sent off for fouling Harry Wilson, which the league confirmed was for denying a goalscoring opportunity. However, Lineker was far from convinced.

“They didn’t seem to complain too much about it after the game, but I found it an extraordinary decision,” he said, spearheading the debate on Saturday night’s Match of the Day. Fellow pundit Ashley Williams clarified that Robertson had committed the foul and referee Tony Harrington had rightly given the visitors the advantage.

“But there’s no denial of a goalscoring opportunity, because he has the opportunity, which is a red herring,” Lineker continued.

“So, therefore, they eventually give it, because, they think [Wilson] is going to get the ball. Now there is zero chance that Harry Wilson is going to get on the end of that.

“You see how hard he hits it. He’s never going to get across there.”

Theo Walcott then weighed in, suggesting that if Raul Jimenez had decided to finish his opportunity given by the referee’s advantage rather than trying to lob Alisson, the entire debate would be moot.

Lineker chimed in for the conclusion, stating: “Obviously, the decision was the foul on Wilson, but it’s just a mess. The nuance of the law is just a mess on that one, as well.”

The consequences of the event unfolded as Robertson faces a one-match suspension, specifically missing Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at Southampton. Adding to Liverpool’s defensive woes, Kostas Tsimikas is out injured leaving the Reds with only four senior defenders available for the upcoming match.