Dawin Nunez SNUBS handshake from Toulouse forward Frank Magri

Darwin Nunez was in no mood to shake the opposition's hands after Liverpool's lacklustre 3-2 defeat in Thursday evening's Europa League clash against Toulouse.

The striker failed to make it onto the scoresheet on a trying night for Jurgen Klopp's side that saw them unable to match the home team's firepower.

Despite a late surge that saw the Reds battle back from a 2-0 deficit thanks to an own goal from Cristian Casseres Jnr and a strike from Diogo Jota a minute before time, Liverpool were unable to take their share of the points on the road under controversial circumstances.

Klopp's side were once again mired in late VAR drama that saw Jarell Quansah's extra-time leveller chalked off due to handball by Alexis Mac Allister at the very start of the build-up play.

After a lengthy decision-making process, the academy graduate was denied what would have been his first senior goal in red - and the team the opportunity to shore up their hold at the top of Group E.

The frustration for Liverpool after the final whistle was evident, but few players let it show more vividly than the striker, who brushed off an attempt from Frank Magri with a terse jerk of his arm.

Nunez's team-mate Mohamed Salah had previously accepted a handshake from the beaming player, who looked unbothered as he moved on to shake the hands of referee Georgi Kabakov and his team.

Fans on social media were divided over the player's behaviour at full-time, with some believing the gesture indicated passion from the Uruguay international.

Some argued, however, that Nunez was in the wrong and should have accepted the placatory move from Magri.

'Liverpool is a big club,' One commentor wrote. 'Their players should have been trained to respect their opponent and have a good sportsmanship.'

Another added: 'Sore loser. Not a good example to kids growing up. Disgraceful behaviour'.

A third added: 'Right in front of the camera. Terrible acting, very cringe.'

Tottenham's Yves Bissouma acted similarly after Chelsea's chaotic 4-1 smash-and-grab against Ange Postecoglou's side on Monday evening, but opponent Conor Gallagher's reaction was a far cry from Magri's relaxed attitude.

The Chelsea midfielder was incensed by Bissouma's rejection of the peace-offering, and squared up to the player, prompting Marc Cucurella and Oliver Skipp to quickly force their way between the two men to diffuse the tension.

Despite a defeat in France on Thursday, Liverpool remain in pole position to qualify top of their group and make it through to the knockout stages.

Klopp's men will have another chance to seal qualification at the end of November, when they welcome LASK to Anfield.