Florian Wirtz Learns During Post-Match Interview That His Equaliser Was Ruled an Own Goal

 

 

 

Florian Wirtz was denied his first Premier League goal in heartbreaking fashion on Wednesday night after Liverpool’s 81st-minute equaliser against Sunderland was officially ruled an own goal.

 

The German playmaker, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in a transfer that could rise to £116 million with add-ons, looked set to finally end his 17-game goal drought. With Liverpool chasing the game late on, Wirtz picked up a pass from Curtis Jones and weaved his way brilliantly into the box. After a sharp touch that sent Sunderland defender Dan Ballard the wrong way, it appeared Wirtz had slotted home the crucial equaliser. Even Sky Sports commentators believed he’d opened his Liverpool account.

 

But moments later, the Premier League released a clarification:

“The goal accreditation panel has adjudged Liverpool’s 81st-minute goal as a Mukiele own goal.”

 

After full-time, Wirtz learned from a Sky reporter that the goal had been taken off him. The situation was slightly awkward, but he quickly composed himself while standing alongside Jones.

 

“It doesn’t matter for me,” Wirtz said. “We drew. We wanted to win — that’s what counts. Unlucky.”

 

Jones was visibly disappointed on his teammate’s behalf.

“Flo’s a guy who always wants the ball,” he said. “He worked so hard today. It’s just a shame the goal goes down as an own goal.”

 

Speaking after the match, Wirtz reflected on his early months at Liverpool.

“The team welcomed me very well. It’s a great group and I’m happy to be here,” he said. “The last few weeks have been tough for us, but we’re on the right path.”

 

He added:

“We’re doing everything to bounce back and win games. We wanted all three points today. We want to be at the top of the table, so we have to keep working hard and hope things turn around.”

 

Liverpool sit eighth in the Premier League with seven wins from 14 matches and next travel to face Leeds on Saturday afternoon.