Liverpool vs Brighton Ref Watch: Three Decisions Stuart Attwell Got Wrong at Anfield

Stuart Attwell faced a challenging night refereeing Liverpool's FA Cup fourth-round victory over Brighton at Anfield, with several controversial calls drawing scrutiny. Liverpool advanced to the fifth round, but Attwell's decisions sparked debate, particularly around a disallowed goal, a heated confrontation, and a penalty award[1].

1. Cody Gakpo's Disallowed Goal

In the first half, Cody Gakpo had a strike ruled out for offside, setting a contentious tone early. While the call stood, it highlighted the high-pressure environment Attwell navigated amid Liverpool's dominance[1].

2. Sparks Fly Between Milos Kerkez and Joel Veltman

Before halftime, Brighton players Milos Kerkez and Joel Veltman clashed aggressively, requiring intervention from Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Despite the heated exchange—described as more violent than typical scuffles—Attwell issued no cards. Critics argue he missed a chance to assert authority, opting not to caution either player even without a clear headbutt[1].

3. Mohamed Salah's Push Overlooked Before Penalty

The match's decisive moment came when Mohamed Salah won and converted a second-half penalty, securing Liverpool's progression. However, footage showed Salah shoving Brighton defender Ferdi Kadioglu off the ball before driving into the box and being fouled. Attwell allowed play to continue, awarding the spot-kick instead of calling a foul on the Egyptian winger. This "easy decision" to ignore the push favored Liverpool, sealing the win amid visitor frustration from multiple first-half cards[1].

Attwell's night was far from quiet, with plenty of bookings for Brighton early on adding tension. While Liverpool prevailed, these lapses fueled post-match analysis on officiating consistency at Anfield[1].