Former referee admits Liverpool were ‘unlucky’ in major decision vs Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Dermot Gallagher highlights Liverpool frustration after Kavanagh call

Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League season was halted at Selhurst Park, but the debate around one key refereeing decision has continued well beyond the final whistle. Former referee Dermot Gallagher has weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Arne Slot’s side were “unlucky” with a critical moment involving Chris Kavanagh.

Controversial corner sparks anger

The match shifted early when Crystal Palace struck first through Ismaila Sarr, capitalising on a defensive error. Yet the build-up to the goal has since been placed under scrutiny. Kavanagh awarded Palace a corner after the ball deflected inside the Liverpool box. Virgil van Dijk was seen remonstrating with the referee immediately, believing the decision to be incorrect.

Replays later showed the ball had ricocheted off Conor Bradley before striking Tyrick Mitchell’s shin and going out of play. By law, the final touch came from the Palace defender, meaning a goal-kick should have been awarded. Instead, Kavanagh pointed to the corner flag, from which Palace profited.

Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, acknowledged the error. “It’s one of those decisions that happens quickly and can be difficult to spot in real time, but when you slow it down, it’s evident that Liverpool were unfortunate. That’s the fine margin between conceding and clearing their lines.”

Late drama ends Liverpool’s run

Despite equalising and creating chances to win, Liverpool were undone deep into stoppage time when Eddie Nketiah delivered the decisive strike for Palace. The amount of added time itself became a talking point, with Liverpool players and staff expressing disbelief at the duration played.

The result ended their 100% record and confirmed Palace as the only unbeaten side left in the division after six matches. It was also a reminder of how thin the margins are at this level – moments of officiating, fortune, and precision shaping outcomes as much as performances.

Gallagher’s balanced assessment

Gallagher was keen to stress that officials operate under intense pressure. “You have to understand the speed of the game makes these calls incredibly tough,” he said. “There’s no suggestion of bias, just a misjudgement in a fast-moving sequence.”

Nevertheless, his comments will offer little comfort to Liverpool supporters who felt that an avoidable mistake swung the contest. Gallagher’s verdict provides external validation of those frustrations, underlining the role officiating plays in Premier League narratives.

Wider implications for Liverpool

For Slot’s side, the setback is not fatal, but it punctures early momentum. Having opened the campaign in blistering fashion, they now face questions about resilience and how quickly they can respond. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, continue to enhance their reputation under Oliver Glasner, showing they can compete with – and beat – the league’s top challengers.

Gallagher’s analysis ensures the focus will linger not just on Liverpool’s missed opportunity, but also on Kavanagh’s split-second judgement. In a season where title hopes could be defined by such details, these debates are unlikely to subside anytime soon.