THE Premier League have rushed to explain Andy Robertson’s controversial red card in Liverpool’s dramatic clash against Fulham.
The defender cut across and hauled ex-Reds winger Harry Wilson down just outside the right of the box after just 17 minutes.
Andy Robertson was sent off for this foul on Harry Wilson
Robertson’s sending-off was delayed due to the VAR check
Whistler Tony Harrington eventually dismissed the Scot – sparking divided opinion from fans on social media.
Some fans were perplexed by the delay in dishing out red – but Prem chiefs issued a statement to clarify this was due to a VAR check on the incident.
The statement read: “The referee issued a red card to Robertson for a foul on Wilson which denied a goal scoring opportunity.
“VAR checked to confirm the red card and that Wilson was in an onside position.”
Robertson had deflected in Andreas Pereira’s opener for Fulham six minutes earlier.
And it meant Prem leaders Liverpool faced a tough second-half test to rescue the match.
Some fans reckoned Robertson was harshly done by – but others claimed he’d obviously robbed the visitors of a clear scoring chance.
But it was certainly true that it was his poor touch – as Wilson zoomed across – that left him vulnerable.
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In the end Robertson flew into a tangle with Wilson that sent the Welsh wideman tumbling over.
Fulham almost scored from the loose ball anyway.
But when Harrington blew for the foul – and flashed his red card – Robertson and his team-mates protested in vain.
One viewer posted: “No way the referee gave Andrew Robertson red card for this after not giving 2 blatant ones [for two Fulham challenges].”
But others suggested the left-back has struggled for form since returning from injury – and might need replacing in the January transfer window.
One wrote: “What an absolute stinking afternoon for Andrew Robertson. Had that collision earlier, then deflected Pereira’s shot in and then has been sent off.”
Another added: “Andy Robertson has been woeful since coming back from injury. Two penalties conceded and now sent off. I think we need a new left back.”
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