Liverpool’s Controversial Penalty Against Bournemouth Sparks Debate
Just before the **30-minute mark** at the **Vitality Stadium**, referee **Darren England awarded a penalty** after **Cody Gakpo went down in the box**, ruling that **Lewis Cook had clipped him.
The decision **immediately sparked debate online**, with one camera angle suggesting **Gakpo may have tripped himself**, while another appeared to show **contact from Cook**.
Despite the conflicting views, **VAR upheld the referee’s decision**, and **Mohamed Salah converted the penalty**, marking his **20th Premier League goal of the season**.
Mike Dean’s Verdict on the Penalty Decision
Speaking on **Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday**, former Premier League referee **Mike Dean** supported England’s call, stating at **15:28**, *”There’s definitely a clip there.”*
Home Fans Outraged as Salah Redeems Past Miss
Bournemouth supporters at the **Vitality Stadium** were furious, chanting *“1-0 to the referee”* after Salah confidently slotted the penalty past **Kepa Arrizabalaga**.
**Liverpool Echo reporters Paul Gorst and Ian Doyle** felt the decision was **generous**, and one replay seemed to support that view.
However, **Cook’s lack of protest** to the referee suggested that he **accepted the call**, something he likely wouldn’t have done if he felt it was unjust.
Regardless of the controversy, Salah still had to **deliver under pressure**, especially after missing a **crucial penalty in Liverpool’s 1-0 loss at Bournemouth in March 2023**. This time, he made no mistake, helping the **Reds secure a 1-0 lead** at the time of writing.
With the game still unfolding, Liverpool will be hoping to **hold on for a vital three points on the south coast**.
