Bouremouth boss Andoni Iraola has complained about the decision to award Liverpool a penalty after Lewis Cook was judged to have fouled Cody Gakpo.
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Bournemouth lose 2-0 to LiverpoolGakpo handed soft penaltyCherries still in hunt for Champions LeagueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Iraola was incensed that the Reds were given the opportunity to take the lead from the spot after it appeared there had been minimal contact from Cook on the Liverpool forward. Mohamed Salah, who scored both in the 2-0 win, put away the penalty and ensured the visitors won a crucial three points on the road. The Spanish coach was not alone in his criticism of the decision either, with a number of fans also bemused by the decision.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT IRAOLA SAID
Speaking after the game, Iraola said: "They give this one – then I will complain for the other one [in a previous game] because it's even more clear. So, I can complain about the consistency of the decisions.
"The levels of the players we deserve to talk about them. I will try to speak about the players -they're the ones who deserve that. We were ready for this, but we needed to punish them and put them under more pressure."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Iraola's Bournemouth have impressed in recent weeks, picking up impressive victories over Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, to put themselves right amongst the contenders for Champions League qualification. The Cherries are seventh but just one point off fourth placed Manchester City, who travel to Arsenal tomorrow. Iraola will also be hopeful that fifth place would be enough for qualification as English club's European coefficient may provide an extra spot.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BOURNEMOUTH?
Bournemouth head to Everton in the FA Cup fourth round in their next fixture as they look to put together a cup run. Iraola's side then face strugglers Southampton in a must-win if their European hunt is to continue.
