Skrtel Ban Would Be A Huge Blow To Liverpool

Skrtel Ban Would Be A Huge Blow To Liverpool

Liverpool are counting the cost of a disastrous defeat to Manchester United, not only did they lose ground on their rivals who have opened up a five point gap, but a three game ban for Steven Gerrard after his stamp on Ander Herrera is a big enough problem but Liverpool’s manager Brendan Rodgers’ woes have been added by the news that the FA have decided to charge Martin Skrtel for an alleged stamp on United keeper David De Gea at the end of the match which could result in the defender also being banned for three games.

Injuries to Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge have led to the players pulling out of the England squad for the upcoming internationals and Simon Mignolet is to get a scan on an injury too as Rodgers problems mount.

Out of all the problems caused by the United defeat, Skrtel’s suspension will hit Liverpool hardest. The Slovakian defender has been Liverpool’s best defender and his ban will be a serious blow to the Reds’ chances of finishing in the top four and progressing in the FA Cup.

Skrtel has been charged by the FA because referee Martin Atkinson did not witness the incident, because his view was obscured, if so, his inability to keep up with play should be questioned.

Atkinson could also have consulted his fellow officials, but the referee has taken the easy option by saying he did not witness the incident.

The stamping incident is similar to the one Skrtel received from Diego Costa in the Capital One Cup Semi-Final second-leg a few weeks ago, yet Costa escaped punishment for that incident despite receiving a three game ban for an earlier stamp on Emre Can in the same game.

The FA have proved once again that are not consistent and not for the first time in recent years, quick to punish Liverpool.