Skip to content

What referee Jon Moss said to assistant Ed Smart for controversial Tottenham penalty against Liverpool

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Referee Jon Moss awarded Tottenham two controversial penalties in the 2-2 draw at Liverpool, the first after a lengthy discussion with his assistant Ed Smart.

Referee Jon Moss awarded Tottenham two controversial penalties in the 2-2 draw at Liverpool, the first after a lengthy discussion with his assistant Ed Smart.

Harry Kane, who missed the spot-kick, was brought down in the box by Reds 'keeper Loris Karius after being put through on goal - a pass that was touched by Dejan Lovren on its way through.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

WATCH: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was unimpressed with the two penalties awarded to Tottehham

Moss whistled and pointed straight to the spot before consulting with his assistant on the near side, and Smart wanted clarification as to whether the ball did indeed touch Lovren before reaching Kane, who would have been offside had it not.

Moss did not appear sure and consulted with fourth official Martin Atkinson via his mic, before immediately clarifying that he was awarding the penalty. Here is that conversation in full:

Smart: "All I need to know is, did Lovren touch the ball?"

Moss: "I don't know."

Joel Matip argues with Moss after the awarding of the second Spurs penalty
Image: John Moss awarded a second penalty in stoppage time for a foul by Virgil van Dijk on Erik Lamela

Smart: "If he's not touched the ball, it is offside, so you're chalking off the penalty. It has to be offside if Lovren has not touched the ball.

Also See:

Christian Eriksen: "He did touch the ball."

Emre Can: "He didn't touch the ball."

Loris Karius and Andy Robertson confront referee Jonathan Moss
Image: The Liverpool players swarmed around John Moss as he gave the decision

Moss: "Just talk to me again."

Smart: "You know what I'm asking; I need to clarify, has Lovren touched the ball? If he has, it's a deliberate action and, therefore, it's a penalty. If he has not, it is offside.

Moss: "I have no idea whether Lovren touched the ball to be honest with you. Martin (Atkinson), have you got anything from TV? I'm giving the penalty."

Fantasy Head to Head
Fantasy Head to Head

Challenge a mate in our brand new Fantasy Football head-to-head mode. Play for free!

Around Sky