Christian Benteke got on the scoresheet as Liverpool FC made a winning start at home in the English Premier League against new boys Bournemouth.
However, the Premier League new boys were undone by two controversial refereeing decisions at Anfield. In the early stages of the tie, they had a headed goal by captain Tommy Elphick ruled out after he was contentiously adjudged to have climbed over Dejan Lovren to head home.
Christian Benteke then put the hosts ahead in the 27th minute bundling in a Jordan Henderson free-kick which was swung into the penalty box. The goal, however, should have been ruled out in accordance with the new Premier League rules in place, as Philippe Coutinho was standing in an offside position when the free-kick was taken. The Brazilian midfielder failed to get on the end of the cross but made a definite attempt to connect with it.
The assistant referee failed to raise his offside flag following the goal and it seemed as though they had forgotten about the new rules in place. Fans and pundits took to Twitter to point out the glaring mistake by the referee and also reflect on the contentious decision.
Here are some of the best tweets in the aftermath of Liverpool FC’s victory:
It’s the Kop end so NOT offside !!! #lfc #afcb
a Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) August 17, 2015
From a goalkeepers point of view; moving either towards or away from the ball. any player within the width of the goal is affecting play. a Kasper schmeichel (@kschmeichel1) August 17, 2015
Offside for Coutinho who made a move and distracted the keeper. Another decision against a small team. Liverpool 1-0 up lucky.
a TikaTakaWilsh (@TikaTakaWilsh) August 17, 2015
Benteke’s goal for #LFC, lucky to be not called offside under the new rules https://t.co/qOcoHOi3tp a Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 17, 2015
In keeping with Liverpool’s identity, the referee has decided to use the rulebook from the past today.
a Verschlimmbessern (@hahostolze) August 17, 2015
For reference, 1. new guidance on offside & 2. why that . #LFC goal should have been disallowed: http://t.co/R0VKeGOFc5 pic.twitter.com/FK30jTDxKb a Chris Miller (@WindyCOYS) August 17, 2015
Coutinho in a somewhat offside position when the ball is played… #LFC pic.twitter.com/TU8wthfQXY
a KICKTV (@KICKTV) August 17, 2015
‘Liverpool are still stuck in the past , thats why the new rules don’t apply the goal stands.’ – referee. a Its Sir Luis Andres (@luisandrupu) August 17, 2015
Christian Bentekea s celebration for Liverpool winner gets the Lion King treatment pic.twitter.com/Qqybxp5Uod
a 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) August 17, 2015
Did Liverpool score an offside goal against a new promoted side? Who would’ve seen that coming… a Spanish Gooner (@ElSpanishGooner) August 17, 2015
Liverpool players join their manager in after match celebrations. (Via: @Kolology) http://t.co/nQRVMzCppW
a TheSPORTbible (@TSBible) August 17, 2015