Liverpool supporters hit out at Ally McCoist over his commentary during Monday night’s 4–1 FA Cup victory against Barnsley.
The Reds welcomed the League One side to Anfield for their third-round tie and raced into a 2–0 lead through superb strikes from Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong. Barnsley, however, made life uncomfortable and pulled a goal back when former Liverpool academy graduate Adam Phillips took advantage of a disastrous failed backheel from Szoboszlai inside the box.
Substitute Florian Wirtz then restored Liverpool’s cushion with a brilliant third goal before providing the assist for Hugo Ekitike to net a fourth in stoppage time, sealing a fourth-round all–Premier League clash with Brighton.
Controversy arose in the second half when Barnsley’s Reyes Cleary went to ground under a challenge from Szoboszlai, sparking loud penalty appeals that were quickly dismissed by the officials.
On TNT Sports commentary, Darren Fletcher and McCoist repeatedly insisted the incident should have resulted in a spot-kick. McCoist’s persistence in particular frustrated Liverpool fans, who felt his support for the underdogs crossed the line and affected his impartiality.
Reaction on social media was swift and fierce. One supporter described the commentary as “embarrassing,” while another accused the duo of having an “unrivalled hatred for Liverpool.” Others urged Liverpool to bar McCoist from Anfield, with one fan calling him “unbearable” for dwelling on what they felt was a clear non-penalty for much of the match. Several more branded the commentary performance a “disgrace.”
Despite the debate continuing even after full-time, McCoist’s TNT Sports colleagues Joleon Lescott and Steve McManaman disagreed with his assessment, maintaining that the referee had made the correct call.
Further irritation followed when McCoist awarded Man of the Match to Cleary despite Barnsley’s defeat, a decision that raised eyebrows even though the youngster impressed
