Liverpool charged by FA for Man City incident

The Football Association have formally charged Liverpool after their players surrounded referee Simon Hooper during last weekend at Manchester City.

The Reds were beaten 4-1 by Man City at the Etihad Stadium last Saturday. Despite Mohamed Salah opening the scoring, Liverpool went on to lose for a third consecutive match in all competitions.

During the match, Liverpool players were unhappy with a tackle from Man City midfielder Rodri in the second-half. The Spain international was already on a yellow card when referee Simon Hooper whistled for a free-kick following another foul by the midfielder.

Several Liverpool players, including Jordan Henderson and Virgil van Dijk, surrounded the referee. Hooper did not book Rodri, and the midfielder went on to carry on playing before being substituted in the 83rd minute.

Now the FA have announced that Liverpool have been charged following that incident. The Reds have until next Wednesday to respond.

A statement from the FA reads: “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 1 April.

“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.”

Liverpool copped the same punishment as recently in February, when they were charged by the FA following the Merseyside derby with Everton. On that occasion, the two groups of players clashed following a disagreement between Jordan Pickford and Andy Robertson.

Meanwhile, City boss Guardiola has escaped retrospective action following his over exuberant celebrations of his side’s opening goal. He was criticised for appearing to celebrate in the face of Liverpool sub Kostas Tsimikas, but the FA opted to not charge for a breach of FA Rule E3 which states all participants must not ‘act in any manner which is improper or brings the game into disrepute’.

Speaking after the game, Guardiola was adamant he had not crossed a line, telling reporters: “I was happy and I said ‘how nice was our goal?’ That’s all.”

Asked if he was simply having fun, Guardiola then responded: “Of course, come on.” Pressed on whether he felt his celebration lacked respect, he replied: “I’m so sorry. Speak with Tsimikas, speak with Arthur for a lack of respect. Ask him if I lack respect. I celebrated the goal.

“I celebrate with my son on the floor and I come here and I say ‘the goal was nice, wasn’t it?’ That’s all. I’m so sorry. Do you think it was a lack of respect? Ah okay, I’m sorry.”