Ex-referee Dermot Gallagher calls out Anthony Taylor's BLUNDER

Ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Anthony Taylor mismanaged the situation which saw Liverpool controversially denied a clear opportunity to score against West Ham.

With four minutes remaining of their London Stadium clash last weekend, Hammers goalkeeper Alphonse Areola fell to the ground after collecting the ball from a cross into the box. He took his time to get back to his feet and referee Taylor waved play on and did not blow the whistle.

Areola then rolled the ball out and Cody Gakpo ran towards the French goalkeeper in an attempt to pass the ball into an empty net. However, Taylor then blew his whistle with no explanation and stopped the Dutchman from potentially giving Liverpool the lead late on.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, Gallagher conceded that the experienced official handled the situation poorly and he urged Taylor to 'keep it simple' and blow his whistle in the future.

'At this point he can stop play and say that the keeper needs treatment,' He said. 'But he decides he doesn't.

'That's where he makes a mistakes by turning his back on the ball. At that point, for however long of a period it was, you're not in control of that situation.

'He turns quickly, sees [Cody] Gakpo going back and blows his whistle which is why he doesn't kick the ball into the net.

'He goes over to the keeper and then decides he needs treatment. I think that's actually dug him out but as I say, keep it safe, keep it simple.

'When the goalkeeper [initially came into contact with Gakpo] just blow your whistle and then we wouldn't have this scenario.'

The Reds' title hopes took yet another dent as they were held by David Moyes' men.

Jarrod Bowen and Andy Robertson had traded goals either side of the break before Areola's own goal appeared to have set the Reds on course for an important win to keep up the pressure on Arsenal and Manchester City.

However, Michail Antonio equalised 13 minutes from time to deny the visitors two vital points which all but ended their Premier League aspirations.

Gallagher added: 'Once you whistle you're in control of the situation. Say to the keeper "I'll get the physios on to look at your foot", restart with a drop ball. It all goes away.'

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock agreed with the ex-referee, claiming that Taylor got himself into 'a right mess'.

'What do we see goalkeepers do when they're injured?' He said. 'We see them throw the ball out of play.

'We don't see them throw it down on the floor or expect to get a free-kick because I'm guessing the referee would normally hang around in the vicinity. You'd know from the referee being close.

'The fact that the referee backs off and goes to the halfway line tells you that the ball is in player.

'What was really interesting was Gakpo. I don't know why he almost turns to the referee and says almost "can I put it in?" Just go and put it in and ask the question after.'