The match, which saw Virgil van Dijk score the decisive header in the 61st minute from a Mohamed Salah corner, was gritty and low on clear chances, but post-match discussions have centered on officiating rather than the action itself. Many Reds supporters believe Kavanagh’s calls favored Sunderland or failed to protect Liverpool, fueling frustration amid the team’s push for a strong finish in the Premier League table.
A detailed ref watch from Football Insider highlighted three shocking decisions that Kavanagh reportedly got wrong, contributing to the growing anger among Liverpool fans and pundits alike. Here’s a breakdown of the key controversies:
- Incorrect booking and failure to reverse a foul call on Mohamed Salah
Early in the first half, Sunderland were awarded a free-kick after Kavanagh judged that a defender had held Salah just inside the halfway line following a cleared wide set-piece. However, replays showed Salah appearing to handle the ball while controlling it under pressure. Despite this, the referee stuck with his original call, leading to a booking for Sunderland’s Reinildo in the resulting scramble. Critics argue the decision should have been overturned in Liverpool’s favor, as the handball negated any foul, potentially denying the Reds a promising attacking opportunity and unfairly punishing their player indirectly. - Harsh yellow card for a Sunderland player delaying a free-kick
A Sunderland left-back became the first player booked when Kavanagh cautioned him for time-wasting by delaying the taking of a Liverpool free-kick in the first half. While time-wasting is a bookable offense, many observers felt the incident was minor and didn’t warrant a card so early in the game. The call was seen as overly strict, especially in a tense away fixture where Liverpool needed flow and momentum, and it set a tone that some fans believe tilted the referee’s approach against more physical challenges later on. - Missed penalty shout for Liverpool on Brian Brobbey
Late in the first half (on the stroke of half-time), Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey appeared to be fouled inside the box after getting beyond his marker. Kavanagh waved away strong appeals, and VAR official Darren England upheld the on-field decision after a brief check. However, the consensus from neutral and Liverpool perspectives is that contact was clear and Brobbey had a legitimate claim for a spot-kick. This non-call was particularly galling given the game’s tight nature—Liverpool were pushing for an opener at that stage—and it prevented what could have been a crucial advantage heading into the break.
These incidents have amplified broader complaints about Kavanagh’s handling of Liverpool games this season. Arne Slot has previously criticized the referee, notably over the disallowed Virgil van Dijk goal against Manchester City (due to Andy Robertson’s positioning) and a non-awarded penalty in a match against Leeds. While ex-referee Keith Hackett defended one non-penalty decision involving Ibrahima Konate and Brobbey (arguing it was mutual grappling and no spot-kick was due), the overall narrative from Liverpool quarters paints Kavanagh as inconsistent or harsh toward the Reds.
The victory itself was hard-earned: Liverpool showed resilience on a tough night, ending Sunderland’s strong home record in the Premier League this campaign. Van Dijk’s goal, assisted by Salah, proved the difference in a match where the Reds dominated possession but struggled to convert until late. Yet, the focus on refereeing errors has overshadowed the three points, with fans flooding social media and forums to demand explanations from PGMOL.
In the bigger picture, this match highlights ongoing debates about consistency in Premier League officiating, VAR interventions, and how marginal calls can swing tight encounters. Liverpool now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures, hoping to build on the win without similar distractions. For Sunderland, the defeat was disappointing after a competitive showing, but the refereeing spotlight has shifted attention away from their performance.
As tempers cool, one thing is clear: Chris Kavanagh’s name will be trending among Liverpool supporters for the wrong reasons long after the final whistle.
