MO SALAH SAYS he is now a fan of VAR after seeing Liverpool benefit from a debateable penalty call in a 2-0 Champions League final win over Tottenham.
There were just 30 seconds on the clock when the Reds were awarded an early spot-kick against Spurs. Moussa Sissoko was adjudged to have handled in the box, with the ball ricocheting off his chest and onto his arm.
Questions have been asked of the decision to gift Jurgen Klopp’s side an early breakthrough, but Salah took full advantage of the opportunity to fire past Hugo Lloris.
The Egyptian forward told BT Sport afterwards: “Basically we are guaranteed VAR next season, but I like it now. So it’s great to win the game.”
A showpiece event failed to live up to expectations, with both Liverpool and Spurs struggling to produce their best in testing conditions at the end of a long, hard season.
Salah and Co have no complaints, though, with a sixth European Cup heading back to Anfield. Klopp had faced criticism at times heading into the contest for his failure to land major silverware with the Reds.
He has now brought a seven-year barren run for the club to a close, with his team righting their Champions League wrongs from 12 months ago against Real Madrid.
Salah was forced off in that game through injury after tangling with Blancos skipper Sergio Ramos, but he now has happy memories of the competition to cherish.
“Honestly I don’t know what to say,” he said. “Everybody’s happy now, we’ve won the final. It’s our second final in a row, and I got to play 90 minutes finally.
“There wasn’t one great individual performance for anyone, but all the team were brilliant tonight. Congratulations to all of us and all the fans around the world.”
After seeing Salah net in the opening exchanges, Liverpool’s second came three minutes from time through Divock Origi.
Having missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City by a solitary point, Klopp’s men now have the reward they believe their efforts in 2018-19 have deserved.
Salah has also completed a meteoric rise from humble beginnings to the top of the European game.
He added: “I sacrificed a lot in my career, especially to leave my parents in Cairo to play football.
“To be an Egyptian in the Champions League, it’s unbelievable. I’m very glad for that.”
- Goal
Egyptian King, delighted for him in particular after the way his final ended last year
@themansam: deserved after all he’s had to put up with. Champions league winner and golden boot yet people think he’s been poor!
@Beer Belly 0476: one season wonder
@themansam: Haha ya
Absolutely delighted, and very emotional. Fair play to Spurs, great club and great team. Klopp has brought joy back to us, what a man. First of many I hope!!
@Laura Walsh: I’ve had lots of beer. Love the reds.
@Laura Walsh: have more beer Laura. YNWA someone will help you
@Laura Walsh: Fair is an incorrect word to describe anything that happened in that game Given the crazy decision after 20 seconds
@Martin Brennan: as a neutral it was a penalty. As a spurs fan I’d say it was an accident and let logic make the decision. As a liverpool fan, I’d just be happy that there was a 2nd goal at the end to ease frustration even a little
This is the start of a new Liverpool era. Many more trophies to come!
@Beer Belly 0476: You’re joking
@Beer Belly 0476: hilarious! Not a notion.
The semi naked bird running onto the pitch was the highlight of the night..
@Harry Corry: no it wasn’t. Was when Hendo lifted the Cup
Honestly we needed that after the season we had, it should kick us off, there’s 5-10 years in most of this team and a good few youths coming through. Hopefully this is the start of a lot more to come with klopp at the helm. Win the league and he’s the new god at Anfield.
Even ex players said they were dull and dour in 78 81, same tonight but all about the result. Thankfully spared the penalties.
He probably won’t like VAR again when it comes into the Premier League next season.
But not a bad VAR penalty!
Ridiculous
LiVARpool indeed!
@Bryn Capstan: still salty bryn , “da pewell” went n won the big ONE