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.
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.
Red card or not, the referee has lost the plot
— Samue (@SamueILFC) November 3, 2021
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.
37’
STRAIGHT RED FOR FELIPE AHAHAHAHAHA and a yellow for Suarez
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) November 3, 2021
Here’s a replay of the ref trying give Felipe a red card… #LFC #LIVATM pic.twitter.com/0yGRROidbv
— LFC Mumble (@lfcmumble) November 3, 2021
Lol, adios adios for the Felipe red card. #Anfield experience 👌👌 pic.twitter.com/biS9pHORzu
— Sandeep (@gnanodayam) November 3, 2021
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.
Sadio Mane is the next player to receive a red card.This refree is against Liverpool players#LIVATM pic.twitter.com/8h242KyqyZ
— The Gupta (@DisaneSabelo) November 3, 2021
I will not be surprised if this Referee gives Sadio Mane red card for scoring #LIVATM
— Lets (@iamlsmaada) November 3, 2021
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.
We sub out Suarez and Felix and sub on Lodi and Tractor when we need 2 goals 😭😭
— Niyor (FELIPASS OUT 🖕❌) 🔴⚪ (@NiyorATM) November 3, 2021
Simeone is a crook he took Suarez and Felix off looooool… Changed the channel real quick
— Daniel Feliciano 🇵🇹 (@DMFv2) November 3, 2021
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.
