Dominik Szoboszlai's backheel was 'disrespectful' - Barnsley coach

In Liverpool's 4-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Sky Bet League One side Barnsley at Anfield, Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai sparked controversy with a bizarre backheel attempt inside his own six-yard box.[1][2][3]

Szoboszlai opened the scoring spectacularly with a 35-yard dipping shot, and Jeremie Frimpong doubled Liverpool's lead with a left-footed strike from the right.[1][3] Despite the comfort, Szoboszlai chased back to win possession under pressure near halftime but opted for a flashy backheel to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili instead of safely clearing. The mishap allowed former Liverpool academy player and lifelong Reds fan Adam Phillips to tap in Barnsley's consolation goal in front of the Kop, fulfilling a childhood dream.[1][2][3]

Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane labeled the error "disrespectful," stating, "I don't think he does that against Chelsea or Arsenal or in a Champions League game." He praised Phillips' moment but felt it undermined their effort, especially as Barnsley tired late, conceding two more goals they "didn't deserve."[1][2]

Liverpool boss Arne Slot avoided public criticism, saying, "I have my opinion that I will definitely share with him," noting it stood out even among sloppy concessions when leading 2-0.[1][2] Szoboszlai apologized post-match: "Sorry for the team again. I made it hard for us with an easy mistake."[2]

The night nearly escalated for Szoboszlai with a controversial non-penalty on Barnsley's Reyes Cleary, where he touched the ball but pulled the winger's shirt—denied without VAR until the fifth round. Hourihane called it a "stonewall penalty" initially.[2]

Liverpool advanced to the fourth round unbeaten in 11, rotating six players including debutants like 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, but survived early scares like Davis Keillor-Dunn's header off the post. Barnsley's resilience shone despite the gulf in class.[3]

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