Evening Standard
·8 mars 2025
Liverpool: Ivan Juric explains why first Mohamed Salah penalty should not have been allowed

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Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·8 mars 2025
Saints boss left frustrated by refereeing decision as Premier League leaders come from behind
Ivan Juric has bemoaned the decision that led to Liverpool taking the lead against Southampton
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Southampton boss Ivan Juric believes that Mohamed Salah should not have been allowed to score the first of his two penalties as Liverpool secured a huge victory.
The Premier League leaders came from behind on Saturday afternoon thanks to a ruthless display right at the start of the second half to run out 3-1 winners and stretch their lead at the top of the table to 16 points.
Darwin Nunez equalised for Liverpool after Will Smallbone had silenced the majority inside Anfield in first-half stoppage time before Salah twice scored from the spot to complete the comeback.
Juric, however, was unhappy with the concession of the first penalty, stating he did not believe Smallbone's foul on Nunez was worthy of referee, Lewis Smith, pointing to the spot.
"They reacted really well. We had really good moments of the first half. I think the [first] penalty was not a penalty and that changed the match. I am satisfied with how we played today.
"This cannot be a penalty ever. I'm sorry it happened because it was 1-1 and it changed the match a little bit. We have lots of young players who want to grow up and improve.
"We can lose but we have to fight like we fight today."