FIFA’s head of refereeing Pierluigi Collina insists Manchester United’s 7-0 drubbing at Liverpool was wrongly cut short.
Referee Andy Madley only added three minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second-half, despite six goals, ten substitutions, and a number of VAR reviews.
The official appeared to show pity to Erik ten Hag’s side – and Collina was not impressed.
Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, the legendary referee said: “Last weekend, ten matches were played in the Premier League and four matches exceeded 100 minutes [in total].
“Two of them should have been higher than this only because they were 7-0 and 4-0 [Brighton v West Ham United] and the referee probably decided not to consider the additional time be given accurately.
“Six goals were scored in the second half [at Anfield]. I can understand that giving quite a relevant amount of additional time when it is 7-0 is difficult to understand in this specific match.
“But if the regulations of the competition say that the entire goal difference is relevant for the ranking at the end, even one goal scored or not scored can make the difference.”
Collina orchestrated a well-received clampdown on time-wasting at the 2022 World Cup, which saw huge amounts of additional time.
Studies have shown that the ball is in play for less than 56 per cent of the time in the Premier League this season, but the English top-flight is not yet following FIFA’s strict directive.
President Gianni Infantino has promised to monitor leagues across the world to ensure correct amounts of stoppage time are being added, with the Premier League expected to fall in line next season.
Collina did concede that a ‘mercy rule’ might be considered, although this would have to be written into the laws of the game, not at a referee’s discretion.
“Maybe in the future we may consider to say that additional time has not to be given at the end of the match if there is a difference bigger than X goals between the two teams, but that would be in the laws of the game,” Collina added.
“Now it is common sense — but common sense is not common sense if it affects someone. In Spain v Costa Rica at the World Cup, Spain were leading 6-0 and eight minutes of additional time were given.
“Spain scored one [more] goal in additional time [to make it 7-0] and that goal could have cost Spain or Costa Rica qualification for the next round of the competition.”
Paul Merson labels Mo Salah as ‘ridiculous’ and why he is better than Liverpool legend Luis Suarez
Liverpool are preparing to take on Bournemouth this weekend off the back of their 7-0 mauling of Manchester United last weekend.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will head into the tie full of confidence. They know that a similar performance will see the Cherries unable to cope with them. Sala
Of course, Liverpool’s inconsistencies this season mean any result is possible. However, one consistent in this Liverpool side has been Mo Salah.
The Egyptian forward has been in superb form again this year. Salah has 22 goals in all competitions, with a further 11 assists.
And writing for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson believes Mo Salah has eclipsed the status of Luis Suarez at Liverpool.
“Salah might just be Liverpool’s best forward of the Premier League era. He plays on the right wing and has been scoring a ridiculous number of goals on a consistent basis and he’s done it longer than Luis Suarez,” Merson said.
Salah will be hoping to continue his fine form at Bournemouth. With Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez now alongside him, there are some positive signs for Liverpool right now.
TBR’s View: Mo Salah is a Liverpool legend, Paul Merson is correct
Taking away from the fact that Salah’s individual records with Liverpool are off the charts, he’s also backed it up by winning trophies.
Part of the squad that won the league and Champions League, Salah is truly up there with the greats of the game when it comes to Liverpool. And there are some big names in that conversation as well.
Merson is spot on too about the comparison with Suarez. Yes, the Uruguayan was outstanding in his own right. But Mo Salah’s consistency puts him above Suarez.
Liverpool will be hoping for another big performance from Salah this weekend. If they get it, then it should mean another three points.