Former PGMOL chief and Premier Leaguereferee Keith Hackett believes that a third red card could have been shown in Liverpool’s 2-1 against Tottenham on Saturday afternoon.
Xavi Simons was sent off in the first half for a rash challenge on Virgil van Dijk. And that ultimately helped the visitors break the deadlock in the second half, as Alexander Isak buried a strike past Guglielmo Vicario.
Hugo Ekitike doubled Liverpool’s lead before Richarlison got one back for Spurs, but the Brazilian’s effort came too little too late. There was even time for a second red card, as Cristian Romero was shown a second yellow for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate.
remier League – Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain – December 20, 2025 Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison scores their first goal past Liverpool’s Alisson Becker REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Although two red cards in a single Premier League game is something of a rarity, John Brooks could well have sent a third player off late in the game according to Hackett. The former top flight official was far from impressed with Richarlison’s actions after he scored Spurs’ only goal of the match.
After the ball hit the net, Tottenham players rushed forward to grab it and restart play, but Ekitike retreated to prevent them from doing so. The Frenchman and Richarlison both tumbled to the floor, but as he got up, the Brazilian grabbed the back of his opponent’s neck.
Hackett, reacting to the incident following the match, believes that the striker was fortunate not to be shown a red card for violent conduct. He told Football Insider: “There is no doubt that Richarlison is a competitive individual and certainly one that a referee needs to keep his eye on.
“In this particular situation, we see Richarlison with his hand on the neck of his opponent as he is getting up off the ground. There’s a little pressure. Could easily have been a red card but was completely missed by officials, ignored by VAR and as a result, nothing happens.
“It could have been a red card mister Richarlison. Behave yourself.”