"What a cheap shot" - Liverpool fans frustrated with 'disgusting' Brighton player for his 'murderous intentions'
Liverpool fans are up in arms against Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez after a collision with Luis Diaz during the Reds' Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium.
The incident happened as early as the 19th minute, when Liverpool took the lead through Diaz. Joel Matip played an outstanding lobbed pass from within the visitors' half to find Diaz, who timed his run to perfection.
Although Sanchez raced off his line to try and intercept the ball, Diaz was brave enough to poke the ball into the back of the net with his head. After failing to beat Diaz to the ball, Sanchez made things worse by leaving his outstretched leg and arms to block the forward.
Understandably, Diaz clattered into Sanchez and fell flat on his back. Liverpool were quick to appeal for a VAR review of the incident, raising concerns over the malicious intent associated with the incident.
The referee ultimately decided that the Brighton goalkeeper can continue on the pitch, much to the disappointment of Liverpool fans. A large section of the club's fanbase on Twitter did not hold themselves back from lashing out at Sanchez.
One fan tweeted:
"Great bravery from Diaz, has to be a red for Sanchez, what a cheap shot."
Here are some of the other reactions from Twitter:
Straight red that! Get him off pitch!! Disgusting #LFC
Robert Sanchez is shit
Sanchez has to be off after that collision with Luis Diaz https://t.co/FzqhzgCGwc
Diaz! Hope he’s OK Cheap ass goalie… #LFC
Great bravery from Diaz, has to be a red for Sanchez, what a cheap shot #bhavliv
1-0 Diaz!!! That’s a red card for Sanchez! #LFC
Sanchez just helicoptered luiz Dias surely a red? #BHALIV
Sanchez coming for Luis Diaz with murderous intentions...
#BHALIV https://t.co/0MBjKbKXIM
As things stand, Diaz's goal is the difference between the two sides, with half-time fast approaching at the Amex Stadium. Notably, it was only Diaz's second goal for the Merseyside club since joining them in January.
Liverpool still in the hunt for the quadruple this season
Jurgen Klopp's men won the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea last month to lift their first piece of silverware this season. The Reds are still involved in three competitions, meaning they are technically in the running to complete a historic quadruple.
However, Liverpool will know it won't be easy, especially after they tasted defeat to Inter in the Champions League on Tuesday. Despite that loss in the second leg, they still qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition after winning the tie 2-1 on aggregate.
As things stand, the Reds are just three points adrift of leaders Manchester City in the Premier League table. They face Nottingham Forest in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup next weekend. It will be interesting to see how far they can progress in the cup competitions, while also pushing City for the league title.