Liverpool 1-1 Burnley: Former PGMOL Chief Claims Referees Made a Big Mistake

Liverpool, who are defending their title this season, dropped two vital points after drawing 1-1 with Scott Parker’s Burnley at Anfield on Saturday. Former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Keith Hackett believes that referee Andy Madley made the wrong call when awarding a penalty in Liverpool’s favour

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The Reds recorded their fourth straight league draw — the first time that has happened since 2008. Arne Slot’s side took the lead in the 42nd minute when Florian Wirtz fired into the top-left corner, cancelling out Dominik Szoboszlai’s earlier missed penalty. Liverpool created several chances before halftime but failed to convert, and Burnley punished them in the 65th minute. Marcus Edwards, Burnley’s lively winger, cut in from the left and fired past Alisson Becker to level the score.

Referee Mistake?

In what was another disappointing performance in Liverpool’s faltering title defence, the draw keeps them in the top four for now. However, Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City has cut the gap to just one point, while Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea sit only two points behind.

Earlier in the match, Szoboszlai had a golden opportunity to put Liverpool ahead when Madley awarded a penalty. After a misplaced cross, Liverpool kept the ball alive, and it seemed that Cody Gakpo was brought down by Florentino Luis, who extended his leg to try and win the ball.
With Mohamed Salah unavailable, Szoboszlai stepped up and struck the penalty, but his shot hit the crossbar and bounced away — the first time since 2021 that the Hungarian has missed from the spot.

On closer inspection, Florentino’s contact with Gakpo looked minimal, making Madley’s decision highly questionable — a view shared by Hackett.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett said:

“What a poor penalty decision by referee Andy Madley. We see at corner kicks, holding, pulling, blocking going unpunished. I struggle to see any offence that would see a penalty kick awarded to Liverpool. It was the wrong call by the officials.”

Sky Sports’ Michael Dawson agreed, calling the penalty “soft” and insisting it should not have been given. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean, also in the studio, admitted the decision was generous but said he could understand why it was awarded on the field and doubted it would be overturned.

Liverpool’s Managerial Future
Liverpool’s situation worsened as they dropped points against one of the league’s weakest teams. With United and Chelsea closing in, Champions League qualification is no longer guaranteed.

Despite this, Slot’s job is safe for now. The Athletic reports that Liverpool owners FSG have no intention of making a mid-season managerial change. Xabi Alonso — who was previously considered a potential replacement for Klopp — is being mentioned again, though it’s unclear whether he would be willing to return to management after leaving Real Madrid.

Slot will need to regain momentum soon, as Liverpool face Marseille in the Champions League followed by a league trip to Bournemouth.