Referee’s Errors: Stuart Attwell’s Three Missteps in Liverpool vs Brighton Match
In a recent FA Cup match on February 14, 2026, Liverpool faced Brighton at Anfield, where referee Stuart Attwell made several controversial decisions that impacted the game. Liverpool secured a convincing 3-0 win, with goals from Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Mohamed Salah solidifying their place in the next round.
Key Events from the Match
- Disallowed Goal: Cody Gakpo’s first-half strike was ruled offside, igniting debate among fans and pundits.
- Referee Missteps: Attwell failed to issue yellow cards during a volatile moment involving Milos Kerkez and Joel Veltman, which could have escalated further.
- Fouls by Harry Howell: The 17-year-old committed multiple fouls, totaling five, without receiving any cautions during the first half.
- Controversial Penalty: Salah received a penalty after pushing Ferdi Kalioglu, leading to questions about the officiating.
Liverpool’s Performance
Despite the officiating controversies, Liverpool dominated the match. They moved impressively up the field, with Salah playing a pivotal role. He ultimately scored from the penalty spot, highlighting a strong overall team performance.
Brighton’s Struggles
Brighton, under the management of Fabian Hurzeler, is currently facing challenges in the league. Their position has put Hurzeler’s job security at risk, as the team has struggled to maintain form.
Referee Attwell’s Controversial Decisions
Attwell’s judgment came under scrutiny during multiple incidents. The players’ confrontations could have warranted stricter disciplinary action. Instead, the referee opted not to intervene, which disappointed many spectators.
As the game progressed, the lack of caution shown to Howell drew attention, particularly given the number of fouls he committed. His substitution early in the second half allowed him to exit without a warning, leaving observers to question the fairness of the officiating.
Conclusion
The match was a mixture of excellent football from Liverpool and confusing decisions from referee Stuart Attwell. As the FA Cup continues, both teams will need to address their respective challenges to ensure better outcomes in upcoming fixtures.
