Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher lucky to escape red card after studs up challenge despite VAR check against Cardiff
LIVERPOOL keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was relieved after avoiding a red card against Cardiff City this afternoon.
The Irishman, 23, deputised for regular No1 Alisson for the FA Cup clash against the Bluebirds.
His afternoon's work could have come to a premature end, however, when he brought Mark Harris down just 36 seconds into the second-half.
Harris had been sent in behind by a searching long ball, when Kelleher rushed out.
He found himself in no man's land, flooring the Cardiff winger around 35 yards from goal.
Referee Andy Madley opted to show Kelleher a yellow card, despite the Bluebirds' protestations.
And a VAR check confirmed his decision, despite further dissenting views.
Some felt that, even with Liverpool having a covering defender, Kelleher's challenge was reckless enough to warrant a red.
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Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, who also played for Cardiff, felt that the Reds goalkeeper could have been sent off.
He tweeted: "Think he could be gone here."
Cardiff were left licking their wounds just seven minutes later, when they went behind.
Liverpool ace Diogo Jota expertly headed Trent Alexander-Arnold's set-piece home to give Jurgen Klopp's side the lead.
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