Milos Kerkez substitution sparks debate after Burnley clash ⚡
Former referee chief Keith Hackett believes Milos Kerkez was fortunate to avoid an early dismissal during Liverpool’s dramatic win over Burnley.
The 21-year-old full-back was booked midway through the first half for simulation, just minutes after Burnley’s Lesley Ugochukwu had escaped a possible red card for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister.
Kerkez then halted a Clarets counterattack by dragging down Jaidon Anthony on the halfway line — an action that raised concerns he might not last much longer without further punishment. Manager Arne Slot didn’t take any risks, opting to withdraw him before half-time in favor of Andy Robertson.
Stats from his short stint show why the decision made sense: two fouls committed, no ground duels won, and only one in four crosses finding their mark.
Conor Bradley also flirted with danger after a late challenge on Anthony, who remained a persistent threat throughout the game.
Despite all the flashpoints, the match was settled in stoppage time when Mohamed Salah converted a penalty following a handball by Hannibal Mejbri.
Hackett later praised referee Michael Oliver’s handling of the situation, suggesting his decision to treat Kerkez’s foul as only a free-kick rather than a second booking was spot on. He also credited Slot’s quick intervention:
“Once a player is already on a yellow, opponents will target him. Slot made the right call pulling Kerkez out before the second half. I doubt he would’ve survived the full 90.”
