Micah Richards believes referee Mike Dean made a 'massive mistake' during Liverpool’s win over West Brom on Sunday.
Hal Robson-Kanu fired the hosts ahead after just 12 minutes before Mohamed Salah drew his side level just after the half-hour mark.
But in the build-up to Salah’s goal, Dean had awarded the Reds a free kick after he collided with Fabinho.
The Brazilian then put the ball down and quickly played the free-kick, and with Connor Gallagher out of position, Salah pounced to restore parity.
Former Liverpool captain and manager Graeme Souness insisted his old side were lucky to be allowed their equaliser during the half-time interval, and Richards, speaking on Match of the Day 2, agreed with the Scot.
“It's a massive mistake. Mike Dean is a good ref and that's why he's at the top-level but he's made an absolute clanger and it's cost them,” he said.
“Yeah, West Brom have got nothing to play for but they're playing for pride. It's cost them today and it's not the first decision he's had this season. It's just disappointing.”
While Danny Murphy added on the incident: “We don't understand it, Sam Allardyce doesn't understand it, I'm not sure Mike Dean ever understands it.
“He gives a free-kick and we can't work out why and we've looked and looked and looked. I don't know if he's got a bit confused, thinking he's interrupted play so he's given a free-kick.
“Sam Allardyce will be fuming as well because what happens after is (Matt) Phillips for some bizarre reason gives them the ball back really quickly and switches off.
“Then when it does get to the edge of the box, they have a chance to clear the ball but what a finish by Salah and it got Liverpool back in the game.”
