Barnsley boss accuses Dominik Szoboszlai of disrespect: “He wouldn’t vs. Arsenal”
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Barnsley Boss Accuses Dominik Szoboszlai of Disrespect with Backheel in Liverpool FA Cup Clash
In Liverpool's 4-1 FA Cup third-round victory over League One side Barnsley at Anfield on January 12, 2026, a controversial moment overshadowed the result. Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a stunning 30-35 yard piledriver but later committed a bizarre error that handed Barnsley their consolation goal.[1][2][4]
Chasing back into his own penalty area just three yards from goal, Szoboszlai opted for a risky backheel flick to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili instead of clearing safely. The mishap teed up Barnsley's Adam Phillips— a former Liverpool academy player—for an easy finish in front of the Kop, making it 2-1.[1][2][3][4]
Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane labeled the attempt "disrespectful," telling TNT Sports and Sky Sports: "Yeah, potentially. He doesn’t do that against Arsenal, Chelsea or [in] a Champions League game. He doesn’t do that." Hourihane felt it showed a lack of respect toward his underdog team, leaving a "bad taste" despite delight for Phillips' dream goal.[1][2][3][4]
Liverpool manager Arne Slot disputed the accusation, appearing bemused and furious with Szoboszlai's lapse in judgment, though he kept public comments measured. Pundit Steve McManaman echoed Hourihane, suggesting Szoboszlai wouldn't risk such flair against top Premier League sides.[2]
Barnsley had a strong penalty claim at 2-1 when winger Reyes Cleary tangled with Szoboszlai around the 65th minute. Hourihane called it a "stonewall penalty" initially, though replays showed a slight touch on the ball amid shirt-pulling—no VAR until the fifth round. It could have shifted momentum.[1][4]
Liverpool sealed the win late: substitute Florian Wirtz (£116m summer signing) scored in the 84th minute, followed by Hugo Ekitike (£79m) in added time, overcoming Barnsley's resilience.[2][4]
Szoboszlai's mixed night—a brilliant goal undone by recklessness—sparked debate on respect versus error in cup ties against lower-league foes. (298 words)