Dominik Szoboszlai Denies Error Against Barnsley Was a Result of Disrespect

In the wake of Liverpool's 4-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Barnsley on January 12, 2026, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai firmly denied that his costly backheel mistake stemmed from disrespect toward the League One side. The Hungarian international, who had earlier scored a stunning goal and impressed with a 60-yard recovery sprint, attempted a risky flick inside his own six-yard box just before halftime, gifting Barnsley's Adam Phillips—a former Liverpool academy product—an easy tap-in to make it 2-1.[1][2][3]

The error drew sharp criticism. Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane labeled it "disrespectful," suggesting Szoboszlai wouldn't risk such flair against top-tier opponents, implying Liverpool underestimated his team.[1][2][4] Liverpool captain Andy Robertson called it "unacceptable," noting it let Barnsley back into the game after the Reds led comfortably via strikes from Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong.[3] Even manager Arne Slot slammed the "weird choice," vowing private talks with the player and highlighting it as part of broader complacency issues.[2][3][4]

Szoboszlai, however, rejected the disrespect narrative in post-match comments, apologizing on TNT Sports: "Sorry to the team again, I made it hard for us with an easy mistake... Football happens, we move on."[4] He emphasized it was an individual error under pressure, not arrogance, despite the Kop's applause moments earlier potentially going to his head, as Robertson quipped.[3]

Barnsley had a penalty shout waved away when Szoboszlai tangled with winger Reyes Cleary, but Hourihane conceded a slight touch on the ball.[1] Liverpool steadied with late goals from Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, advancing to face Brighton in the fourth round.[3][4] Slot praised the bench's impact, underscoring the win despite the unnecessary tension.[2]

The incident sparked debate on flair versus risk in cup ties, with pundits agreeing Szoboszlai's form this season remains elite, but such lapses demand accountability.[4] (298 words)