LONDON: Liverpool grumbled about the refereeing after Tottenham Hotspur held them to a 2-2 draw, denting their title hopes.

The stalemate meant Liverpool slipped three points behind leaders Manchester City after having defender Andrew Robertson sent off and being infuriated that Spurs striker Harry Kane didn’t also see red.

“I have no problems with any referees, only you,” Juergen Klopp bellowed to referee Paul Tierney after the final whistle.

Liverpool had already conceded for the final time — Son Heung-min’s equaliser in the 74th minute when Robertson was dismissed for a wild kick on Emerson Royal three minutes later.

But Robertson’s exit brought into sharper focus Kane staying on the pitch in the first half for a lunge on Robertson.

Kane had already put Tottenham in front after latching onto Tanguy Ndombele’s through ball for only the striker’s second league goal of the season in his 15th game.

“We can give Robbo a red card, it’s not the smartest challenge of his life, but that [from Kane] is definitely a red card,” Klopp said. “People will say his leg is in the air, but it’s pure coincidence. Harry cannot judge that, if Robbo’s leg is on the ground it’s a broken leg.”

Liverpool did go in front, with Diogo Jota heading in the equaliser in the 35th and Robertson nodding in from close range in the 69th.

But Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker missed an attempt to clear Harry Winks long ball, giving Son the opportunity to seize possession and slot into an empty net.

“It was an exciting game and we created many, many chances,” Tottenham manager Antonio Conte said. “We have to be a bit disappointed with the draw. We played against a really strong team, this team is amazing and they are working for many years.”

But Liverpool are losing ground on City in their bid to regain the trophy.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2021