Trent Alexander-Arnold’s celebration at Manchester City on Saturday does not put him in danger of receiving disciplinary action.
At the Etihad Stadium, Liverpool’s vice captain equalized in the 80th minute to give the Reds a crucial point against the reigning Premier League winners.
With just two points separating them from the top of the standings going into December, the draw guaranteed that Jurgen Klopp’s team would not lose ground on the championship favorites.
Some home fans were offended when Alexander-Arnold celebrated by putting his finger to his lips in front of them after scoring the goal.
The 25-year-old said that he relished receiving a standing ovation from the City supporters in a post-match interview, saying to Sky Sports: “It’s always good to celebrate in front of away fans.” The amusement factor of all the faces is great.
But there were rumors that the FA might retaliate against Liverpool’s right back for what he did.
The Mail pointed out that a player’must be cautioned’ for ‘gesturing or acting in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory way’ in accordance with IFAB Law 12.
In spite of this, referee Chris Kavanagh chose not to book Alexander-Arnold, and his report on the game did not include the incident.
Concerns that the Reds right back would be subject to retroactive punishment are unfounded, as The Athletic’s James Pearce clarifies, saying the FA ‘aren’t even looking at it.”
This season, Liverpool has already faced retrospective disciplinary punishment. Virgil van Dijk’s two-game penalty for a red card against Newcastle in August was increased after it was discovered that he had used abusive language towards match officials.
“He has the complete package,” stated the captain of Liverpool. “He offers a lot defensively and, obviously, in possession, he has qualities that are very special and he shows that as well.”
“He needs to keep doing what he’s doing, keep getting better, and maintain the high standards that all of us have for him.”
