'Doesn't look good' - Dermot Gallagher issues verdict on key Liverpool v Man Utd decision

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has weighed in on the red card decision during Manchester United's away draw with Liverpool. Erik ten Hag's men produced a solid away performance against the Reds to take a point against the side who went into the weekend as league leaders.

In truth, Liverpool dominated for the most part, racking up 34 shots in all, but only eight of those efforts were on target, and United frustrated their hosts with an admirable defensive display led by Raphael Varane at the back. The only real controversy during the game was a red card handed out deep into stoppage time, with some feeling it was a harsh decision to go against United, although it did not impact the game significantly.

United star Diogo Dalot was sent off four minutes into stoppage time, receiving two yellow cards in quick succession for ongoing dissent after referee Michael Oliver and his line assistant awarded a throw-in to Liverpool. Some felt the decision was harsh, but Gallagher was not impressed with Dalot.

"The throw is not clearly given the wrong way," he told Sky Sports News. "It is a United throw when you look at it again but when I first saw it I wasn't convinced.

"You can't act like Dalot did. It doesn't look good and isn't a good image to be portraying around the world. Whether you like it or not, that is the remit referees have been given this season. That is why there is such a high number of yellow cards for this type of offence."

Gallagher was then asked about the actions of Liverpool players during the game, with Mo Salah waving an imaginary card at one point, while Darwin Nunez reacted sarcastically after he felt he was fouled earlier in the game.

"It's so, so difficult because this is not an exact science," Gallagher responded. "On the one hand, you say to me I don't want two yellow cards for Dalot, but two minutes later you say you want a yellow for Salah and three for Nunez.

"I have nowhere to go. Whichever way I jump, you will say I'm wrong. In the current climate the referee has no choice. I get that United fans will call for Nunez to be sent off but the referee didn't choose to do it."