Gary Neville BLASTS Anthony Taylor’s decision to award Liverpool a second penalty in their 4-2 win over Newcastle…and claims the referee ‘did the Reds a favour’ after Diogo Jota went to ground after minimal contact from Martin Dubravka

Gary Neville blasted Anthony Taylor’s decision to award Liverpool their second penalty during their thrilling 4-2 Premier League clash win over Newcastle at Anfield. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side ran their guests ragged for most of the encounter but found themselves only a goal ahead in the closing stages after Sven Botman cut the deficit goals from Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo had built up following Alexander Isak’s equaliser. 

The Reds found themselves with a golden opportunity to seal the win when Diogo Jota ran through on goal and rounded Martin Dubravka but the Portuguese forward went down when it appeared it was set to put the ball into an empty net. 

Taylor left onlookers in suspense after blowing his whistle but he ultimately pointed to the spot, leaving Newcastle and their fans crying foul. 

Neville was among those who thought the decision was incorrect, insisting that Jota left too much time between receiving the minimal contact and going to the ground. 

‘Oh no. You can’t give a penalty for that.’ He said during commentary for Sky Sports. ‘He goes forward and then goes forward and then goes down. The delay is too great. It’s two or three yards after the contact.’

He added: ‘The Liverpool fans have been booing referee Taylor but he has done them a favour there. I don’t think that was a penalty.’