Liverpool Fans in Heated Debate Over 'Atrocious' Player After Barnsley Victory

Liverpool secured a 4-1 victory over Sky Bet League One side Barnsley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield on January 12, 2026, advancing to face Brighton in the fourth round. However, the win has sparked fierce debate among Liverpool fans over Dominik Szoboszlai's performance, branded "atrocious" by some despite his stunning opener.[1][2][3]

The Hungarian midfielder opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a breathtaking 30-yard strike, silencing the traveling Barnsley fans and putting the Reds ahead. Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead in the 36th minute. But Szoboszlai's night turned sour early in the second half with a bizarre backheel error that gifted Barnsley a goal through Adam Phillips, making it 2-1 and igniting fears of an FA Cup upset.[1][2][3][4]

Compounding the blunder, Szoboszlai's reckless tackle on Barnsley's Reyes Cleary shortly after prompted furious penalty appeals from the visitors, waved away by officials—though VAR wasn't in use. Teammate Andy Robertson called the backheel "unacceptable," hinting the Kop's adulation may have "gone to his head." Fans erupted on social media, with some hailing him hero and villain, others slamming his arrogance as "atrocious" and questioning his mentality against lower-league opposition.[1][3][4]

Barnsley, 17th in League One, impressed immensely—hitting the post in 28 seconds via Davis Keillor-Dunn and keeping Liverpool on edge. Manager Conor Hourihane praised his side's pride-worthy display despite fatigue against Arne Slot's substitutes: Florian Wirtz (84' goal), Hugo Ekitiké (90+4' tap-in), and Ibrahima Konaté.[2][4][5]

The result extends Liverpool's unbeaten run to 11 games, but the scare exposed vulnerabilities. Fan forums like Rousing the Kop buzz with polls and rants: "Szoboszlai's moment of madness nearly cost us—sell him!" vs. "World-class talent, cut him slack." Debate rages on whether his brilliance excuses the brain fade.[1][3][7]

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