Barnsley Boss Hits Out at 'Disrespectful' Dominik Szoboszlai After Liverpool Error

In Liverpool's 4-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Barnsley at Anfield, Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai sparked controversy with a risky backheel attempt inside his own penalty area, leading to Barnsley's consolation goal.[1][2][3]

Szoboszlai opened the scoring early, followed by Jeremie Frimpong's strike to make it 2-0. However, just before half-time, with the ball near his own goal line under pressure, Szoboszlai opted for a flashy flick that misfired, allowing former Liverpool academy product Adam Phillips to intercept and slot home in front of the Kop end. Phillips, a boyhood Liverpool fan, cherished the moment as a lifelong memory.[1][2][3]

Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane, a former Liverpool player himself, labeled the error "disrespectful," suggesting Szoboszlai wouldn't attempt such a move against top sides like Chelsea, Arsenal, or in the Champions League. "Delighted for Adam, but disrespectful from their player's point of view," Hourihane said, highlighting the lack of respect shown to his League One side.[1][2][3]

Liverpool manager Arne Slot echoed the criticism in his post-match comments, calling it a "weird choice" and vowing to address it privately with Szoboszlai. Slot noted it wasn't the first time his team conceded a sloppy goal from a comfortable lead, shifting momentum and creating unnecessary tension. "I don't think you should do that in an FA Cup game, a league game, a friendly, or a training session," he stated.[1][2][3]

The incident added edge to an otherwise dominant night for Liverpool, who advanced to face Brighton in the fourth round. Barnsley also had a second-half penalty claim when Szoboszlai tangled with winger Reyes Cleary, but it went unawarded.[2] Szoboszlai, one of Liverpool's standout performers this season, later apologized on TV.[3]

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