Robertson on Szoboszlai 'Disrespect': 'It Was Unacceptable'

In Liverpool's 4-1 FA Cup third-round victory over League One side Barnsley at Anfield, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai sparked controversy with a risky backheel attempt on the edge of his own six-yard box, gifting Barnsley's Adam Phillips a goal that cut the Reds' lead to 2-1[1][2][3].

Left-back Andy Robertson delivered a candid post-match assessment, calling the error "unacceptable" and suggesting it bordered on showboating, potentially influenced by the Kop's applause after Szoboszlai's earlier 60-yard sprint and opening goal[1][3][4]. "The frustrating thing is Dom does this unbelievable 60-yard sprint to start with. He's getting the clap off the Kop and I don't know if that maybe went to his head," Robertson said. "We can joke about it now but it's unacceptable to lose a goal like that. Dom obviously knows that."[1][3]

Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane labeled the move "disrespectful," while head coach Arne Slot deemed it a "weird choice" unfit even for training sessions[1][3][5]. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was particularly irked, as the mishap prevented a clean sheet[1][3][6].

Despite the blunder, Szoboszlai apologized to teammates at halftime, a gesture Robertson acknowledged warmly. "He realised and apologised at half-time. If anyone's performances can't get criticised this season, it's Dom's. He's been magnificent and 100 per cent every game," the Scotland international noted, emphasizing the lapse as an isolated moment amid otherwise stellar form[1][3][6].

Robertson highlighted Liverpool's broader issue of conceding avoidable goals, allowing lower-tier opponents back into games despite their 11-match unbeaten run. "We've looked a bit more secure defensively, but now we need to put it all together," he added, stressing the need for balance to chase trophies[4].

The incident served as a reminder for discipline, even in dominant wins, as Liverpool progresses in the cup[2][7].

(Word count: 298)