Liverpool have been charged by the Football Association following a controversial flashpoint during their Premier League defeat at Manchester City last Saturday.
The Reds, who were beaten 4-1 at the Etihad, have been censured for failing to control their players when they surrounded referee Simon Hooper after City midfielder Rodri escaped a second yellow card and subsequent red in the first half.
Several Liverpool players surrounded referee Hooper, who chose not to card the Spain international for hauling back Cody Gakpo despite having booked the same player moments earlier for a similar foul on Diogo Jota.
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Liverpool have until Wednesday to respond to the FA charge, although the ECHO understands they will not be appealing the decision.
The statement from the FA read: “Liverpool FC has been charged after its players surrounded a match official during the 34th minute of their Premier League game against Manchester CIty FC on Saturday, April 1.
“It’s alleged that Liverpool FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or do not behave in a way which is improper, and the club has until Wednesday 12 April to respond.”
There was another contentious moment earlier in the game when, after Julian Alvarez equalised Mohamed Salah's opener, City manager Pep Guardiola went over to celebrate and interacted with Liverpool substitutes Kostas Tsimikas and Arthur Melo, who were warming up on the touchline. The FA subsequently chose not to punish Guardiola.
Reflecting on the touchline incident, Guardiola said: “I was happy and I said, ‘How nice was our goal?’ That’s all. Of course (it was an attempt at humour). Come on. No, come on. I am so sorry. I speak with Tsimikas. You people say it is a lack of respect. Ask him if I lack respect.
“I celebrate a goal. Normally I celebrate with my son on the floor. I come here and said, ‘The goal was nice, wasn’t it?’ That’s all. I’m so sorry. You think it was a lack of respect? Ah okay, sorry. I’m so sorry.”
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