Liverpool star Mohamed Salah missed a crucial penalty against Arsenal in what could be a huge moment in the title race.
The Egypt international had the perfect chance to double his own tally with Arsenal 2-1 up at Anfield.
Diogo Jota was brought down by a clumsy Rob Holding challenge in an entertaining clash where Liverpool found themselves 2-0 down.
But Salah dragged his penalty wide to leave fans open-jawed around the ground and the Reds missed out on an incredible opportunity to go level.
Jurgen Klopp could not bring himself to watch, instead staring back into the crowd from the managerial dugout.
And after the penalty was taken, he fist-pumped in celebration assuming his man had scored.
However, the groans around the stadium saw the German manager swivel round to see what really happened, watching his players turn in dismay instead of celebrating the goal.
Speaking on Sky Sports commentary, Gary Neville said: “Sometimes you get that little bit of luck on your way to a title.
“Holding has just had it. Aaron Ramsdale screams with delight. He just passes it past the post. There’s nothing more you can say.”
Referee chiefs issue statement after linesman ‘elbowed’ Andy Robertson during Liverpool vs Arsenal
Liverpool players were left incensed at half-time of their match against Arsenal as tensions were running high with Andy Robertson accusing the linesman of “elbowing” him. Liverpool looked to be dead and buried inside the first half an hour with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus giving Arsenal a two-goal lead.
QBut the game quickly livened up after a coming together between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Granit Xhaka with the hosts using the increased atmosphere to raise their levels. Mohamed Salah halved the deficit just before the break with tackles soon flying in from both sets of players.
The referee’s whistle then brought an end to the first half with both players clearly still riled up as they walked off the pitch. But there was confusion when Liverpool players soon surrounded linesman Constantine Hatzidakis with referee Paul Tierney brandishing a yellow card.
Liverpool players were furious with Jordan Henderson leading the protests and it wasn’t immediately clear what happened until Jamie Carragher mentioned on commentary that the linesman had elbowed Robertson.
It wasn’t until Sky Sports showed replays of the incident that confirmed what Carragher had said with Hatzidakis seen raising his arm to Robertson’s face. Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves caught the aftermath of the incident down the tunnel.
The PGMOL have stated they are aware of the incident involving Constantine Hatzidakis and Andy Robertson and will review the matter once Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal has finished.
A statement from the organisation read: “PGMOL is aware of an incident involving assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis and Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson at half-time during the Liverpool v Arsenal fixture at Anfield. We will review the matter in full once the game has concluded.”
Linesman Hatzidakis was heading towards referee Paul Tierney just after he had blown the half-time whistle, carrying the ball with him. Reds star Robertson approached Hatzidakis and appeared to grab the official as he walked across the pitch.
Linesman Hatzidakis was heading towards referee Paul Tierney just after he had blown the half-time whistle, carrying the ball with him. Reds star Robertson approached Hatzidakis and appeared to grab the official as he walked across the pitch.
Hatzidakis reacted angrily to that though and moved his arm back in what appeared to an elbow towards Robertson’s face. The Scotland captain was left furious, with Liverpool players surrounding the trio of match officials as they attempted to leave the pitch.
Robertson, Diogo Jota and Reds skipper Jordan Henderson remonstrated with Hatzidakis and Tierney as they left the pitch. The Liverpool left-back was then booked by Tierney, to the anger of Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Henderson and Jota.
Eventually, the four were led away by a member of Liverpool’s coaching staff. Liverpool legend and Sky co-commentator Jamie Carragher gave the first indication of what had happened, tweeting: “Linesman elbow on Robertson!”
According to Sky Sports reporter Geoff Shreeves, Robertson was furious as he headed down the tunnel. He claimed the Scot said: “he’s just elbowed me in the throat, the linesman has elbowed me in the throat.
While Robertson appeared to be the victim of the incident, Roy Keane blasted the Liverpool star at half-time. He accused the left-back of being a “big baby”.
“Holding has just had it. Aaron Ramsdale screams with delight. He just passes it past the post. There’s nothing more you can say.”