Joe Gomez has come under fire over an unusual incident during Liverpool’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham on Tuesday. Former PGMOL general manager Keith Hackett believes referee Andy Madeley should have intervened after an incident involving the Liverpool defender at Anfield.
Liverpool booked their place in the next round thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai, while Conor Gallagher grabbed Spurs’ only goal. However, despite the comfortable result, one bizarre moment involving Gomez caught Hackett’s attention.
Around the 30-minute mark, Liverpool were awarded a throw-in in an advanced position, but Gomez needed to dry the ball before taking it. With pitchside towels no longer permitted because they can contribute to delays, Gomez reportedly used a nearby ballboy’s tracksuit to dry the ball instead.
Hackett criticised the incident, arguing that the method should not have been allowed and questioning why Madeley did not intervene. He suggested that Gomez’s actions could be viewed as an improper way of preparing the ball for a throw-in.
For Tottenham, the defeat adds to their difficult start against Premier League opposition. Gallagher’s goal ended Spurs’ run without scoring against top-flight teams this season, but they remain without a win in five matches against Premier League sides. Their only victory this season came against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup second round.
Tottenham showed some promising moments against Liverpool, but they ultimately struggled to match their opponents and have now been eliminated from the competition, while Liverpool continue their impressive run at Anfield.
