The main talking point in last night's EFL Cup semi-final first leg was referee Stuart Attwell's decision not to show Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall a second yellow card for a challenge on Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas.
Bergvall was already booked after the Greek defender advanced late on at Tottenham Hotspur after sliding down on Luis Diaz and making little contact with Bergvall.
Attwell had a good look at what had happened, but had the upper hand and decided not to go back to expel the teenage Swede.
Both Liverpool captain Van Dijk and manager Arnis Sloan expressed their frustration at the match officials, leaving them angry.
Tsimikas received treatment on the pitch and with Liverpool down to 10 men, Spurs immediately put the ball forward and Dominic Solanke slotted in Bergwell four minutes into the game to make it one goal. Despite late pressure, the home side held on to hold on as they traveled to Anfield for the second leg on 6 February.
What do the laws say?
Page 110 of the IFAB Laws of the Game states:
If the umpire takes advantage of a play warning/stoppage offense, This warning/dismissal must be issued after the next ball is played.
However, if the offense denies the opposing team a significant scoring opportunity, the player is cautioned for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the offense disrupts or stops a potential attack, the player is not alerted.
This is the rule that Spurs coach Ange Postecoglou referred to. In his view, Bergvall's tackle 'stopped a potential attack' and therefore did not deserve a booking.
However, the law continues…
Serious misconduct if there is no clear chance to score; Advantage should not be used in situations involving violent behavior or second-degree crimes. When the ball is played again, the referee must remove the player.
As it was not a situation where Liverpool had a 'clear chance to score a goal', Attwell should have stopped the match and sent Bergvall off the field.
“It had a big influence on the game.”
Arne Slot shares his thoughts on whether Lucas Bergvall should have been on the pitch to score the winning goal for Tottenham. pic.twitter.com/LAmHueA8rZ
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 8 2025
What did the managers and players say?
Postecoglou said: “He wasn't lucky (to be on the pitch when the goal was scored). If it wasn't for a foul tackle, it wouldn't have been a yellow. Two months ago we were screaming and we said that.”
Slot said: “I think anybody would rather have a 40-yard advantage in their own goal than be carded (for Burgvale). Another question is: Can the tackle come back and still be reckless after making a reckless play for advantage? And is that enough to give you a yellow?”
Van Dijk told Sky Sports: “I think it's pretty obvious it's going to be a second yellow (for Bergvall). Pretty clear. A minute later he scored the winner…a coincidence.
“He (the referee) made a mistake in my opinion and I said that. He didn't think so, but it was pretty obvious and everyone around knew it should be yellow.
“There's a lineman there. A fourth officer there, There is VAR; With one referee he doesn't get a second yellow. I'm not saying that wasn't the reason we lost tonight. But it was a big moment for the game.”