Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou insists goalscorer Lucas Bergvall did not deserve a red card against Liverpool on Wednesday.
The Reds suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spurs in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal. Bergvall, 18, scored the winner in London just moments after avoiding a second yellow card for a late challenge on Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas.
Referee Stuart Attwell waved play on due to Liverpool maintaining possession. Yet the Reds were soon down to 10 players when Tsimikas left the field for treatment - and Bergvall and Tottenham made the most of that numerical advantage by scoring.
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Liverpool players were furious with Attwell's decision, with captain Virgil van Dijk leading the complaints. Yet Postecoglou believes Attwell made the right decision.
When probed on the incident by Sky Sports, Postecoglou replied: "Great question. No, he wasn't (fortunate to avoid a red card). He wasn't because... the rule is - and we've been told for quite a while now - that if advantage gets played, as long as it's not a cynical tackle, then a yellow card (does not get awarded).
"We've been screaming for it for the last two months. It's happened to us consistently, have a look at our games. We've asked officials and they've said, 'If we play advantage, as long as it's not a cynical tackle, then a yellow card doesn't get paid.' To me, that was pretty clear."
Postecoglou's comments came after Van Dijk told Sky Sports: "I think it was quite obviously that it was going to be a second yellow. Obviously think it was pretty clear (what I said to the referee). It was no coincidence then a minute later he scores the winner.
"But it is what it is. He made a mistake in my opinion and I told him that. It was quite obvious I think and everyone on the sidelines knew it was supposed to be a yellow. There is a linesman there, a fourth official. There is VAR there and a referee, and he doesn't get a second yellow. I'm not saying this is the reason we lost today, but it was a big moment in the game."