By Keith Hackett

31st Jan, 2023 | 1:46pm

Ex-Premier League referee: Fabinho should get extended ban after new twist in Liverpool controversy

Keith Hackett has insisted Liverpool star Fabinho should have seen red after “endangering” Brighton’s Evan Ferguson with a horror tackle during the Reds’ 2-1 FA Cup loss on Sunday (29 January).

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee slammed “rubbish” VAR official Neil Swarbrick after his performance in the highly-charged cup clash.

As seen in footage from the ITV Football Twitter account (30 January), Fabinho caught Ferguson with a late challenge which raked down the Brighton starlet’s Achilles – and resulted in his substitution.

The Brazil international seemed to accept that he was about to receive a red card but was only cautioned by David Coote – whose decision was backed up by VAR official Neil Swarbrick.

As per the BBC (30 January), referees’ body PGMOL has since accepted that Fabinho should have been dismissed for the challenge.

Ferguson left the Amex Stadium on crutches but The Athletic has since claimed (31 January) that the Scottish striker’s injury is not as “serious as initially feared”.

Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “That’s a red card.

“I’ll tell you what, I thought the VAR was rubbish in this game. Neil Swarbrick was the boss of VAR.

“Fabinho should have gone. He endangered the safety of an opponent, and his face tells you that he was expecting a red card.

“I think he was quite pleased when the yellow came out.

“He can’t be allowed to get away with that.”

In other news, Kieran Maguire claims Liverpool have been handed Super League boost by Gianni Infantino.