Richarlison, Tottenham Hotspur’s forward, narrowly avoided a red card in the Premier League clash against Liverpool, according to former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett. The incident unfolded during a tense match on December 24, 2025, where Tottenham faced Liverpool and ultimately lost 2-1. Richarlison scored in the 83rd minute, reducing the deficit and fueling hopes for a comeback, despite his team already being down to ten men.
Match Overview
The match saw Tottenham Hotspur come under intense pressure. Earlier in the game, Tottenham’s Xavi Simons received a red card for a challenge on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. Cristian Romero followed him off the field later, leaving Spurs depleted. Richarlison’s late goal from close range was his fifth in the Premier League.
Contentious Moment for Richarlison
After scoring, Richarlison controversially placed his hand on the neck of Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike, who had fallen during the celebration. Hackett pointed out that this act could have warranted a red card, a sentiment echoed by many observers.
- Richarlison’s actions could have easily led to dismissal.
- The VAR officials did not intervene to review this incident.
- Hackett stressed that referees need to be vigilant regarding Richarlison’s competitive nature.
Key Incidents from the Match
During the first half, Simons’ dismissal occurred in the 33rd minute after a video review changed his initial yellow card verdict. Romero later received a second yellow for a foul on Ibrahima Konate, leaving Tottenham even more vulnerable.
Injury Concerns
Liverpool also suffered a setback when striker Alexander Isak sustained a severe injury due to a tackle from Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven. The 125 million pound forward underwent surgery and is expected to be sidelined for at least two months.
Opinions from Coaching Staff
Following the match, Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot expressed his belief that van de Ven’s tackle was reckless, suggesting it deserved a severe penalty. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s boss Thomas Frank defended his player, arguing that van de Ven acted in a defensive manner and was aiming to block a shot. He emphasized that such actions are typical for defenders.
In conclusion, this match was marked by contentious referee decisions and injuries that may impact both teams’ future performances. Richarlison’s near-dismissal adds another layer to the ongoing discussions about officiating consistency in the Premier League.
