How much are Liverpool supporters expected to put up with?
For years, we’ve watched our club compete at the highest level, challenge for major trophies and go toe-to-toe with some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
But there is an increasingly frustrating feeling among supporters that Liverpool are not being treated consistently when it comes to Premier League refereeing decisions.
And when you read Paul Tomkins’ latest statistical breakdown for The Tomkins Times, it makes for some seriously uncomfortable reading.
The argument being made is that Liverpool are being refereed differently from other clubs, with statistics suggesting that the Reds are regularly on the wrong side of decisions involving fouls and challenges.
It’s difficult not to ask questions when the same concerns keep appearing.
The numbers behind Liverpool’s refereeing frustration
Tomkins has looked at thousands of Premier League matches to examine the relationship between tackles, fouls and attacking dominance.
One of his findings is that there is a strong correlation between the number of tackles a team makes and the number of fouls it concedes.
However, his analysis suggests Liverpool are an extraordinary exception.
He argues that Liverpool are the team most likely to have their tackles given as fouls, while also being the team least likely to be awarded a foul when opponents tackle them.
Tomkins also examined his own measure of attacking dominance, based on shots and corners compared with those conceded.
His argument is that teams which dominate those statistics generally enjoy a better foul balance.
Again, he believes Liverpool are an outlier.
These are statistical arguments rather than proof of deliberate wrongdoing, but they deserve proper examination.
The Arsenal game brought the frustration back
Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at Anfield has only added to the anger.
Liverpool were already behind when Alexander Isak had his shirt pulled by Jurrien Timber inside the penalty area.
Referee Andy Madley did not award a penalty, and VAR official Stuart Attwell did not intervene.
From a Liverpool perspective, it was an incredibly frustrating decision.
Had the penalty been given and converted, the game could have taken a completely different direction.
Instead, Liverpool were left chasing an equaliser and ultimately suffered another disappointing home defeat.
There were other problems with Liverpool’s performance, including Alisson’s mistake for the goal and the failure to register a shot on target.
But that does not mean supporters should simply forget the decisions that went against them.
305 games without an opposition second yellow
Another statistic highlighted by Tomkins Times is Liverpool’s remarkable run of 305 league matches without an opposition player being sent off for a second yellow card.
That is almost eight years.
The closest figures since 2015 were Everton on 209 matches and Manchester United on 184.
Again, that statistic does not automatically mean Liverpool should have seen more opponents dismissed. Every incident has to be judged on its own merits.
But when you combine it with the wider arguments about foul balance and decisions, it certainly gives supporters something to think about.
Why has the run lasted so long?
And are Liverpool consistently receiving the same interpretation of the rules as everyone else?
Those are fair questions.
Is there any point if the rules aren’t applied consistently?
This is where the frustration really comes from.
Liverpool supporters don’t expect every decision to go their way. We know referees make mistakes, and we know our own players are capable of giving away fouls and making poor challenges.
But we want consistency.
If a Liverpool player commits a bookable offence, show the yellow card. If an opposition player commits the same offence, apply the same standard.
If a shirt pull is enough to award a penalty in one match, why should it be treated differently in another?
The Premier League sells itself as the best football competition in the world. Its refereeing standards should reflect that.
Instead, supporters are left debating statistics, controversial decisions and whether VAR is actually improving the game.
Liverpool must keep fighting – but the officials need to do better
I don’t want Liverpool supporters to reach the point where we believe there is no point competing.
We have a club with an incredible history, a passionate fanbase and a team that should be judged on its performances over the course of a season.
Andoni Iraola has plenty to improve on the pitch, and Liverpool cannot use refereeing decisions to excuse every disappointing result.
But the officials must also be accountable.
Paul Tomkins has presented figures that raise serious questions about how Liverpool are being refereed. Rather than dismissing those concerns as supporters looking for excuses, the authorities should be willing to examine the data and explain what it tells us.
Liverpool don’t want favours. We simply want the same rules, the same standards and the same level of protection as every other club.
Because when supporters start asking what’s the point, the Premier League should be listening.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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