Iraola Fumes After Man City Win 3-0 at Anfield: “Ryan’s First Foul Is Never a Yellow Card – Never”

The game was completely even for more than an hour, with the Anfield crowd pushing their team on with everything they had, before one moment changed the whole night.

After the final whistle, the manager did not hide his anger. He came out with fiery comments, made clear accusations and revealed what he sees as the real reason behind what happened.

Liverpool lost 3-0 to Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, their first defeat of the season, after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the 62nd minute for a second yellow card. Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku then scored in quick succession before Rayan Cherki added a third from close range.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola said in his post-match press conference: “I think we played two different games – one until the red card and one from the red card until the end. I think we were the better team until the red card in the first 62 minutes.”

Iraola strongly criticised the referee’s decision: “I think the first foul of Ryan is never a yellow card – never. Just a stomp in the big toe or something minor. He doesn’t even call the foul straight away – he lets it go. I think Elliot Anderson does a couple of steps, he decides to go down.”

He also questioned the early booking for Ronald Araujo for complaining: “In the textbooks, yes, perfect. If he complains, you can show a yellow card. But then I will be very careful all the season. Every time someone complains has to be a yellow card.”

Captain Virgil van Dijk admitted Gravenberch was “probably” unfortunate, but added: “The matter of fact is he gets a second yellow. The red card obviously changed a big part of the game, especially when you concede that quickly afterwards.”

Liverpool went into the game with key absences. Alexander Isak was out with a thigh muscle injury and Cody Gakpo with an ankle problem, and Dominik Szoboszlai joined them with a tight hamstring after returning from international duty. Lewis Koumas led the line in his first Premier League start.

Liverpool’s problems continue after the game: the club confirmed Gravenberch will miss next Saturday’s trip to Brentford through suspension, and he can return when the Reds host Brighton on October 25.