By Keith Hackett

21st Apr, 2023 | 7:00am

Ex-Premier League referee savages Trent Alexander-Arnold 'excuses' as Liverpool controversy analysed

Keith Hackett has insisted Cody Gakpo’s opening goal for Liverpool against Leeds United on Monday (17 April) should have been chalked off.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee slammed the PGMOL’s “poor excuses” after they claimed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s handball occurred too long before the ball was tapped home at close range.

As seen in footage posted to Twitter by Sky Sports (17 April), Alexander-Arnold appeared to move his hand towards the ball as he weathered a challenge from Leeds’ Junior Firpo – before providing the assist for Gakpo’s opener just seconds later.

The incident was checked by VAR official Tony Harrington, who declined to overturn the goal as the handball occurred too far back in the attacking move.

Liverpool went on to register a thumping 6-1 victory at Elland Road to aid their chances of European qualification this season.

Meanwhile, Leeds sit 16th in the Premier League – just two points outside the drop zone with seven games to play.

Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I just think it was poor officiating.

“It was a clear handball, and it impacted the game.

“As for the excuse of it being too far back. It’s not like we were going back into the other half, or the halfway line – it happened just before the goal.

“VAR should have come in, there’s no question.

“Craig Pawson was looking straight at it. Why has he not given it? He’s stopped the ball going past him.

“It’s a poor bit of refereeing and it’s a poor excuse from the PGMOL after the game.”

In other news, Liverpool board approve midfielder contract as box-office deal edges closer.