Exclusive: Mark Clattenburg explains why Diego Gomez was not sent off for 'dangerous' high tackle vs Liverpool

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Rousing The Kop exclusive.Liverpool believed they should have been a man to the good against Brighton on Saturday after a reckless challenge from Diego Gomez.The Reds were ahead inside the first minute at Anfield, Hugo Ekitike giving them the perfect start with an excellent touch and finish.From there, Liverpool allowed Brighton back into the game, with Gomez forcing a crucial, point-blank save from Alisson Becker shortly after.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Who was your man of the match during Liverpool’s impressive 2-0 win over Brighton?

While Liverpool supporters felt a red should have been issued, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has exclusively explained to RTK why a yellow was the right decision.Diego Gomez challenge lacked speed and maliceAs the VAR checked Gomez’s challenge in the Liverpool box, many watching on had likely expected the colour to change from yellow to red.But according to Clattenburg, the tackle lacked either the speed or malice to qualify for a sending off.Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool fans are all saying the same thing about Hugo Ekitike vs Brighton, one thing is worrying“Florian Wirtz is caught by the boot of Diego Gomez which catches him in the stomach after playing the ball outside of the penalty area,” says the former official. Not all the criteria is met in my opinion as the challenge lacks speed and malice and Gomez is a split second away from playing a ball in the air.” IF Brighton is Mohamed Salah’s farewell game, what is your message to the Liverpool icon?

Credit: John Powell/Liverpool FC/Getty Images 👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Gomez decision could have been decisiveUltimately, Gomez’s non-sending off did not have a bearing on Saturday’s result as Liverpool picked up a big win over Brighton.However, it almost looked like it could have been a turning point early in the second-half when the 22-year-old missed a glorious opportunity to bring the Seagulls level.Gomez somehow put past Alisson’s left-hand post when sliding in to bury a brilliant Yankuba Minteh cross.