Liverpool get red card verdict as Steven Gerrard weighs in on Brighton controversy…

Liverpool receives red card ruling as Steven Gerrard comments on Brighton incident

Liverpool expressed their anger that Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh was not issued a second yellow card for diving after he fell under pressure from Jeremie Frimpong in the penalty area.

Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard opines that Yankuba Minteh of Brighton should have been penalized with a second yellow card for diving during Saturday’s match. Arne Slot was infuriated when referee Darren England did not penalize Minteh in the first half.

Minteh had already received a booking in the Premier League’s early match when he dramatically fell to the ground. Brighton played the ball behind Jeremie Frimpong, and Minteh sprinted to reach it first before collapsing.

England dismissed the Brighton winger’s request for a penalty, yet he also refrained from taking action for diving. Slot was later seen vocally protesting to the referee while mimicking a diving motion with his hands.

Liverpool went into halftime tied at 1-1 with the Seagulls, but their frustration was compounded shortly after the break when Minteh delivered the cross that allowed Danny Welbeck to score his second goal, putting Brighton ahead for the second time.

When asked at halftime on TNT Sports if Minteh should have been sent off, Gerrard remarked: “Well, I think he’s extremely fortunate. It has been a fantastic contest down that flank – both players possess incredible speed. The ball is played behind, there’s no contact, and he simply goes down.

“In my view, it’s a dive, and he has escaped punishment here. He’s very, very fortunate. I would be surprised if the manager keeps him on for much longer, especially with [Kaoru] Mitoma available on the bench, so keep an eye on that as well.”

Former Liverpool forward Peter Crouch then added: “I concur with Arne Slot. It was clear that he was seeking a penalty and he could have easily been penalized for that.

Welbeck gave Brighton the lead with a close-range header in the 14th minute, but an error from Lewis Dunk allowed Liverpool to level the score. The Brighton centre-back inadvertently flicked a long ball towards his goalkeeper, which Milos Kerkez intercepted and lobbed over Bart Verbruggen to make it 1-1.

After Minteh narrowly escaped a red card – and Fabian Hurzeler chose not to substitute him – Brighton regained the lead in the 56th minute. The winger delivered a superb cross to Jack Hinshelwood, who deftly cushioned it back into Welbeck’s path for a side-foot finish.

Minteh remained a constant threat down the left flank for Brighton, forcing Giorgi Mamardashvili into a one-on-one save just minutes later after breaking through on goal.