COMMENTARY
Newcastle United fans would have been bitterly disappointed by the manner in which they were dismantled by Liverpool on Boxing Day – and they have found a reason to let their anger levels hit the roof less than 24 hours later. The incident in question revolves around Mo Salah, who won and scored a penalty, with many fans and pundits suggesting it was either a soft one to give or even a dive. However, despite claims for a review, journalist James Pearce revealed that the FA had said “it did not meet the threshold” regarding deception, but the Newcastle faithful seem to believe the Egyptian was doing just that with his fall at Anfield.
Mo Salah will not face any retrospective disciplinary action over the penalty incident in the 4-0 win over Newcastle. The FA say it did not meet their threshold for deception of a match official. #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) December 27, 2018
Looking back on the incident, it is easy to see why the Toon Army were left so frustrated with the decision on Twitter, for there have been dandelions which have survived stronger gusts of wind than the contact Paul Dummett made with the Liverpool man. Yes, there is contact and that is likely to be reason he has escaped, but had VAR been in use, you can definitely see Salah being handed a yellow card. This is the sort of thing that needs to be stamped out of the game. Roll on the 2019/2020 season.
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ tweets:
https://twitter.com/Barmy2Toon/status/1078224245564559360
No, why would he! The FA do FA and don’t discourage cheating. The bad decisions we’ve had in the last few weeks/years are a disgrace. Wouldn’t have made any difference for the result yesterday though. Wish Ashley would bugger off too.
— grumpy_old_sod (@AndyHarle1968) December 27, 2018
But if that would have been Gayle last season he would get a ban.
— Christopher Carson (@CarsonCW505) December 27, 2018
I was always told that cheaters never prosper ?
— Kevin Howell (@kevhowla) December 27, 2018
Its a disgrace and disgusting why do players dive
— Out And About With Rob (@Toonboy45) December 27, 2018
Usual top 6 bias, just heard Dean Saunders defending him on Talksport and had to turn ut off with. I'm not sure what other people actually see or whether they just convince themselves that their lies are true. It's a strange world.
— ??Steven K?? (@aliensexist1985) December 27, 2018
If he played for any other team than one of the “big six”, then the currupt @FootballAssoc would make an example.#bigfix
— NOVOCASTRIAN…9 (@Dendo99) December 27, 2018
Tom Daley would have been proud of that
— BAZ (@welshgeordie6) December 27, 2018