Liverpool fans turn on Jeremy Jacquet after costly free-kick mistake in dramatic Fenerbahce defeat

Liverpool fans turn on Jeremy Jacquet after costly free-kick mistake in dramatic Fenerbahce defeat
A difficult European night

Jeremy Jacquet has faced criticism from Liverpool supporters after turning his back on Mason Greenwood’s free-kick during the Reds’ dramatic 3-2 Champions League defeat to Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

The French defender was part of Liverpool’s defensive wall when Greenwood stepped up to take a set-piece in the 29th minute, but his reaction proved costly.

As the former Manchester United forward struck the ball, Jacquet turned away, creating a gap in the wall. The effort then struck the defender and changed direction, leaving Alisson wrong-footed as it found the back of the net.

Liverpool had taken the lead just four minutes earlier through Trey Nyoni, making the equaliser particularly frustrating for the visitors.

Supporters were quick to express their disappointment on social media, with several questioning Jacquet’s decision to turn away rather than stand his ground.

One fan described Greenwood’s effort as a poor free-kick that only found the net because of the deflection, while another criticised both Jacquet and Dominik Szoboszlai for their positioning.

A third supporter went further, blaming the young Frenchman for costing Liverpool a goal with his reaction in the wall.

The criticism came during a difficult evening for Jacquet, who also missed an early opportunity with a header that went narrowly wide.

However, the free-kick incident was not his only difficult moment. He was among the Liverpool players who failed to prevent Vedat Muriqi from scoring the winning goal in the 79th minute.

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Liverpool twice took the lead through Nyoni and Alexander Isak, but Fenerbahce responded on both occasions before Muriqi completed the comeback.

Archie Brown had scored the hosts’ second equaliser in the 73rd minute after confusion between Alisson and substitute Cody Gakpo, leaving Liverpool with another defensive setback.

Manager Andoni Iraola was left frustrated by his side’s defending, describing the goals conceded as cheap and messy. He specifically acknowledged that the defensive wall had not been properly organised for Greenwood’s free-kick.

The defeat ended Liverpool’s perfect start to their Champions League campaign after three consecutive victories.

It was also a significant result for Fenerbahce, who secured their first Champions League victory since 2008.

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For Jacquet, the experience represents a difficult introduction to the pressure of playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Liverpool completed his signing from Rennes in February 2026, with the defender arriving at Anfield the following summer on a long-term contract.

The 21-year-old previously developed through Rennes’ academy, gained senior experience with Clermont Foot and represented France at Under-21 level.

His potential remains an important part of Liverpool’s defensive plans, but the reaction to his performance in Istanbul shows how unforgiving European football can be when a small mistake contributes to a costly result.