Football fans on social media have expressed mixed feelings over a penalty decision which went in favor of Liverpool in the Boxing Day clash with Leicester City. The Reds were handed the opportunity to extend their lead in the night's encounter which concluded with them extending their lead atop the table to 13 points.
After successfully annihilating the threat of the Foxes who were breathing down their neck in second place, Jurgen Klopp's men sent a huge statement across with a 4-0 win inside the King Power Stadium. A double from Roberto Firmino and a goal apiece by Trent-Alexander Arnold and James Milner ensured that the European champions rest at the summit of the Premier League table with 52 points out of a possible 54.
Nevertheless, the buildup to the latter's goal has sparked a debate on social media with a section of fans maintaining the view that the penalty against Soyuncu should not have stood. The defender had the ball hit his arm from a cross but was seemingly moving his arm out of the way before it made contact. Still, referee Martin Oliver upheld his initial decision following a brief consultation with the Video Assistant Referee.
James Milner is cooler than cool pic.twitter.com/nImNz7p8Ok
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 26, 2019
With the day's outcome, Liverpool now ranks as the only club in Europe to have establish an early title charge while leading its closest rival with double figures. The Reds' lead could be extended further to 16 as they still have a game in game in hand away to West Ham.
Liverpool just can't win a game without a penalty it's too weird at this point, the game aura was killed with that pk call.
— KASHIMAWO (@boboskylarme) December 26, 2019
Michael Oliver waves off two clear handballs against Liverpool last month and in similar circumstances awards Liverpool a penalty barely checking with VAR..or is it just me?
— Luke Buchan Jones (@LukeBuchanJones) December 26, 2019
Michael Oliver not even bothering going to VAR to check if it will overturn a penalty for Liverpool because, well, you know.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) December 26, 2019
No penalty Oliver, enjoy your bus ride ride round Liverpool in May pic.twitter.com/5CM3Kyt7N8
— Andy (@FortyNinersTown) December 26, 2019
Quite bizarre that Liverpool got a penalty against Leicester but didn't concede a penalty for this against Man City .... and it was the same referee Michael Oliver pic.twitter.com/GXniUtL3BJ
— TheBusbyWay (@TheBusbyWay2) December 26, 2019
Leicester are no match for Liverpool. But the penalty decision was very harsh! Any team would have lost its passion for the game with that.
— Haruna Ozi Salami (@Haroooon17) December 26, 2019
Great spot by Michael Oliver for that penalty. Shame him and VAR didn't manage to spot an even more obvious one at Anfield earlier in the season. Liverpool's go to referee.
— Paul Atkinson (@Paulron32) December 26, 2019