Ex-PGMOL director explains why contentious refereeing decision in Liverpool vs Galatasaray was 'understandable'

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Credit: Imago Wed 1 October 2025 9:55, UK Referee Clement Turpin’s decision to ignore Ibrahima Konate’s head injury during Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to Galatasaray was a judgment call.That is according to former Premier League referee and PGMOL director Jon Moss, who exclusively told Football Insider that the delay in checking on Konate was understandable, given the circumstances.Liverpool slumped to a 1-0 loss away at Galatasaray, in what was a ferocious and intimidating atmosphere at RAMS Park.Victor Osimhen scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, after an out-of-position Dominik Szoboszlai was penalised for catching Baris Alper Yilmaz in the face with a flailing arm.Szoboszlai gave away the decisive penalty (Credit Imago)Referee didn’t stop play for Ibrahima Konate’s head injuryIn the first half, Konate collided with Osimhen during an aerial duel and subsequently fell to the ground clutching his head.Referee Turpin did not immediately stop the game, although play came to a halt a few moments later when Curtis Jones hit the deck, and Liverpool were awarded a free-kick.Moss spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the incident, saying: “Obviously, the referee has to stop play when there’s a head injury, but he does have a bit of license to just delay that a little bit because every time someone goes down, you don’t want to be blowing your whistle. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES “So, he makes a judgment that the Liverpool player is not seriously hurt.

Before he can look again, there’s another foul, and therefore he gives a free kick. “I think it’s pretty understandable that he just delayed for a second.

It didn’t look too serious, and then there’s a free kick straight away.”Liverpool break six-month streak after Galatasaray defeatAfter Liverpool were beaten by Crystal Palace on Saturday (27 September), their Champions League loss to Galatasaray was th second defeat in a row for the Reds.The last time the Merseyside club were subjected to two losses on the bounce was back in March, over six months ago.On that occasion, Liverpool were beaten 2-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League quarter-final second leg, before losing 2-1 to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final just five days later.Despite their recent poor form, Arne Slot’s side still sit top of the Premier League, and will expect to progress through the league phase of the Champions League.However, the manner of their performances is worrying, and Slot must find a way to fit in his big-money summer signings without disrupting the rest of the team.For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.