Liverpool boss Arne Slot joined Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane in slamming Dominik Szoboszlai for a “disrespectful” moment in the FA Cup third round tie.
Liverpool ran out 4-1 winners at Anfield, with Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike all on target with a high caliber of goals.
But it was far from plain-sailing, with Barnsley giving a strong account of themselves. The Tykes pulled one back to make it 2-1 before half-time when former Liverpool academy player and boyhood fan Adam Phillips received a gift from Szoboszlai.
The Hungarian had the ball in the six yard box and fluffed his attempt of a bizarre backheel, allowing Phillips to nick the ball and slot home in front of the Kop.
The decision from Szoboszlai was widely criticised, with Hourihane not happy with the action.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “I was a little bit disappointed with our goal, if I’m honest, because I felt, you know, I don’t think the player does that against Chelsea or against Arsenal or in a Champions League game. So I was a little bit disappointed with that, if I’m honest.
“I don’t think he does that in a Premier League game against Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Champions League game, I don’t think he does that.”
Slot was asked about the moment of madness in his post-match interview, with Hourihane’s view relayed to him. The Dutchman was in agreement with his opposite number and branded Szoboszlai’s choice “weird” and revealing he would speak to the midfielder.
“I don’t think you should do that in an FA Cup game, a league game, a friendly game or a training game,” Slot stated.
“It was a weird choice. I have my opinion on it but I’ll keep it to myself and speak to Dom.”
Szoboszlai, arguably Liverpool’s best performer this season, issued an apology on a TV interview after the game. Liverpool return to action on Saturday when they host Burnley in the Premier League.
