Fans rounded on the referee in Liverpool’s Champions League win against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

It was a classic European performance from the Reds as they dominated the game pretty much from start to finish.

Danny Makkelie awarding Liverpool a free-kick in the first half against Atletico.
Danny Makkelie awarding Liverpool a free-kick in the first half against Atletico.

But the game was not without its share of controversies.

And Dutch referee Danny Makkelie came under a lot of criticism from all corners of the footballing world.

He showed seven yellow cards on the night and one red card for Brazilian defender Felipe.

The referee sent off the Atletico man after a challenge on Sadio Mane stopped a counter-attack.

It appeared he was initially going to show a yellow.

But the defender walked away and continually ignored the Dutch official, which seemed to convince the referee to change to a red.

 

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was forced to take Sadio Mane off at half-time.

The referee booked the Senegalese winger early in the game.

After the red card, Atletico Madrid players were desperately trying to get the Reds winger a second.

Things quietened down in the second half.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone made a number of defensive substitutions as he accepted his side’s fate.

Both Luis Suarez and Joao Felix were quickly brought off.

Atletico fans were not pleased, knowing their side needed goals to get back into the game.

Liverpool can now relax and rotate their squad for the final two group games, knowing top spot is secured.

Attention for the Reds now turns to Sunday’s Premier League game against West Ham at the London Stadium.

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