Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold gifted Newcastle an opener through Anthony Gordon after mis-controlling a Mohamed Salah pass.
The right-back saw the ball roll under his feet after Salah played a pass back to him.
Alexander-Arnold failed to control a pass fired at him by Salah
It allowed Gordon to race through on goal to score the opener
But before he could do anything about it, Gordon was on it like a flash and raced toward goal before tucking it past Alisson with ease.
It sent the St James’ Park crowd into a frenzy with many believing Alexander-Arnold was lucky to even be on the pitch in the first place.
That was because earlier in the half he wiped Gordon out after he raced past him having picked up a yellow card moments before.
But referee Brooks gave Alexander-Arnold a heavy scolding rather than producing a second yellow – which would have seen Liverpool down to ten men with nearly 85 minutes to go.
The Toon Army were less than pleased with the decision and insisted the official ‘bottled’ giving out an early red card.
One fan tweeted: “Clear second yellow all day everyday of the week.”
Another wrote: “If he hadn’t just been booked he would 100000 per cent have got a yellow for that. Ref bottled it.”
And a third said: “Ref has absolutely bottled it, should be gone.”
Alexander-Arnold was booked for time-wasting early onCredit: sky sports
But didn’t get a second yellow for this challenge on GordonCredit: sky sports
Speaking on co-commentary on Sky Sports, Gary Neville seemed to agree and said straight after the incident: “He doesn’t want to make the decision.”
Brooks would go on to brandish the red card – but not to Alexander-Arnold but Virgil van Dijk instead.
The Dutchman was adjudged to have fouled Alexander Isak on his way toward goal, receiving his first straight red card in the Premier League.
Liverpool have a mountain to climb as they find themselves a goal and a man downCredit: Getty
It’s an intriguing battle between the two scousers, one former Evertonian Gordon is winning thus farCredit: AFP
