Liverpool Midfielder Wataru Endo’s Narrow Red Card Escape in VAR Scrutiny Against Brentford
In a dance of fate on the football pitch, Liverpool’s Wataru Endo tiptoed on the edge of a red card precipice against Brentford, leaving spectators holding their breath. A studs-up tango with Christian Norgaard went unnoticed by the on-field arbiters, only to prompt a four-minute VAR spectacle.
Endo, an artist in motion, seized the ball but left an indelible mark on Norgaard. VAR, the silent adjudicator, took center stage for four minutes, scrutinizing the challenge without beckoning the referee to the monitor. A symphony of conflicting opinions ensued; some saw a fine tackle, while others believed such tackles had received their penance this season.
Brentford’s maestro, Thomas Frank, conducted a furious symphony of finger-wagging at Paul Tierney, resentful of the decision. This controversy followed Endo’s midweek escape in the Reds’ Europa League clash with Toulouse, leaving tongues wagging about his apparent immunity to red cards.
The football gods, however, smiled upon Liverpool, granting them a 3-0 triumph over the Bees. Mohamed Salah, the virtuoso with two goals, and Diogo Jota’s long-range crescendo orchestrated Liverpool’s victory.
Endo – No red card (VAR)
Did Endo an Pool get away with one here?pic.twitter.com/NSgECvyMLo
— 🇳🇴 kimmoFC (@kimmoFC) November 12, 2023
A subplot emerged in the 63rd minute, a potentially questionable line decision veiling Salah’s landmark 200th goal in English club football. Muted celebrations echoed doubts as Konstantinos Tsimikas’ cross flirted with the touchline before Salah’s decisive header.
In the 74th minute, Diogo Jota, the maestro’s apprentice, capped the spectacle with a goal of sublime artistry. A dance from the left wing, a pirouette on the edge of the area, and a thunderous strike, sealing Liverpool’s dominance.
This result, a football sonnet in motion, propels Liverpool to the second tier of the Premier League tableau, leaving fans and foes alike in awe of the beautiful game’s unpredictable choreography.
