JAMIE CARRAGHER HAS defended the decision to award Liverpool striker Mo Salah a controversial penalty as the Reds faced Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The Egypt international won a spot-kick following a challenge from Mamadou Sakho late in the first half, which James Milner duly scored to give the visitors a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Replays proved inconclusive as to whether Salah dived to convince referee Michael Oliver, but former Anfield favourite Carragher believed that the FWA Footballer of the Year did not attempt to con the officials.
“He could stay up, but why would he?” the 40-year-old said on Sky Sports. “Sakho is too tight.
“I don’t think Salah is looking for it. He’s thinking I’m going to shoot, but I don’t think he’s used the opponent to go down.”
Carragher’s fellow pundit Gary Neville mostly concurred, adding: “It’s a mistake by Sakho. It’s clumsy, he’s too late. But it is a theatrical fall, which we see a lot of players do.
“The ref’s view is perfect. There’s no doubt in Michael Oliver’s mind.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
