Mark Clattenburg’s Verdict on Penalty Given For Szoboszlai’s Flailing Arm vs Galatasaray

Mark Clattenburg has given his thoughts on whether Galatasaray deserved to be awarded a penalty in their UEFA Champions League encounter with Liverpool. Clement Turpin pointed to the spot in the 14th minute after a collision between Baris Alper Yilmaz and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The hosts broke forward on the counter after Arne Slot’s men had spurned two golden opportunities to take the lead down the other end. Yilmaz made it into the visitors’ box before attempting to pull the ball back and running into Szoboszlai.

The makeshift right-back’s hand connected with Yilmaz’s face and the Turkish attacker went to the ground asking for a penalty. Turpin obliged, handing Okan Buruk’s side a spot kick which was comfortably dispatched by Victor Osimhen.

Clattenburg Verdict on Galatasaray vs Liverpool Penalty Decision

Arne Slot wore a face of frustration watching on as Turpin showed no hesitation when awarding Galatasaray a penalty for Szoboszlai’s foul. Osimhen fired in the center of Alisson Becker’s goal with the Brazilian unable to stop the Nigerian from 12 yards as he previously managed while the forward was at Napoli.

Clattenburg felt the French referee got the decision right and was in a good position to make the correct call. He said on Amazon Prime:

“As he goes in to challenge him, his arm catches him in the face. I think it’s a good decision from a well-positioned referee.”

Alan Shearer had also agreed with the on-field decision while speaking on commentary and there wasn’t much complaining from Szoboszlai. Liverpool came desperately close to taking the lead just moments before when Cody Gakpo followed up on Hugo Ekitike’s attempt but was denied by a goalline clearance.

Pat Nevin Thinks Slot Got Szoboszlai Call Wrong

Szoboszlai has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers at the start of the season, flourishing as a stand-in right-back whilst Jeremie Frimpong was sidelined. The Hungarian’s consistency saw him continue in the role in Istanbul but Slot has been told he made the wrong decision.

Pat Nevin voiced his concerns about the defensive part of the playmakers game. The former Chelsea winger told BBC Radio 5 Live:

“That decision to play Szoboszlai at right back and not Frimpong – he has been attacked twice, done for pace and has given away a penalty.”

Szoboszlai’s preferred position is in central or attacking midfield but the Reds’ summer overhaul means there is significant competition for places in Slot’s midfield. The Dutchman went with a Curtis Jones alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz in front while also naming Frimpong on the right wing to give Mohamed Salah a rest.