It was a moment Dominik Szoboszlai will never want to see again. In the same half, the Liverpool midfielder scored a stunning goal. No goalkeeper would likely have stopped it. Minutes later, he produced a costly mistake.
The 25-year-old delivered an action that sparked strong reactions. Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane called it disrespectful. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot described the decision as weird.
Szoboszlai sprinted forward and won the ball from Adam Phillips. Inside his own penalty area, he attempted a backheel pass. He tried to find goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The execution failed badly. The loose ball fell to Phillips, who scored easily.
The error did not change the final outcome. Still, it became the main topic after the match.
Slot Questions Judgment and Decision-Making
Slot did not hide his disappointment after the game. He said players should never attempt such actions. He included domestic cups, friendlies, and training sessions. He labelled the choice strange and unnecessary.
Slot chose not to expand publicly. He said he preferred a private conversation with Szoboszlai. The coach made clear the moment crossed a line.
Barnsley Anger Over ‘Lack of Respect’
Hourihane reacted with visible frustration. He focused on the decision to backheel the ball. He said Szoboszlai would not try that against elite opponents. He mentioned Chelsea and Arsenal as examples.
Asked whether the act was disrespectful, Hourihane did not hesitate. He said it potentially showed a lack of respect. He added that such actions rarely appear in league or European matches.
Hourihane said he felt disappointed by the attitude. He congratulated Adam Phillips for the goal. He still criticised the Liverpool player’s approach.
Outstanding Performance Despite Costly Error
Aside from the mistake, Szoboszlai delivered an outstanding display. He set a unique benchmark this season. He scored a goal, completed over 100 passes, and regained possession repeatedly.
The midfielder completed 105 passes during the match. He also won the ball back 12 times. No other Premier League player achieved this combination this season.
Szoboszlai apologised after the match. He said he made life harder for his team. He called the mistake simple and avoidable. He insisted football moves on quickly.
Former Players React Strongly
Former Crystal Palace and Reading winger Jobi McAnuff offered his view on radio commentary. He said Liverpool found the first half too easy. He noted Barnsley missed earlier chances.
McAnuff explained how comfort can affect decision-making. He said players attempt things they usually avoid. He described the situation as horrendous. He said the error looked worse with every replay.
On television analysis, Joleon Lescott agreed with the criticism. The former Manchester City defender labelled the moment disrespectful. Ally McCoist went further. The ex-Scotland striker called it incredible.
Penalty Controversy Adds More Fuel
Szoboszlai also found himself central to another debate. Barnsley appealed for a penalty in the second half. The score stood at 2-1 at the time.
Reyes Cleary fell inside the area after a challenge from Szoboszlai. The referee waved play on. Barnsley players protested immediately.
Hourihane said he thought it was a clear penalty. He explained Cleary moved across the defender. He said it looked like an obvious decision in real time.
He added that opinions differed afterward. Some suggested Szoboszlai touched the ball. Others believed he pulled Cleary’s shirt. Hourihane said the moment arrived at a crucial stage.
He stressed the importance of the decision. A penalty would have come in front of home supporters. He said momentum could have shifted.
Experts Split on the Decision
McCoist strongly disagreed with the referee. He said the challenge met every criterion for a penalty. He pointed to shirt pulling and contact on the foot. He said Hourihane’s anger felt justified.
Lescott saw the incident differently. He questioned the direction of Cleary’s fall. He said players usually fall backward if shirts are pulled. He concluded it was not a penalty.
Without video review technology in this round, the decision stood. The referee had no option to reconsider.
Slot later addressed the situation. He said officials told him it was not a penalty. He said Szoboszlai played the ball. He also compared the incident to stronger claims elsewhere that week.
Liverpool Control the Closing Stages
Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches. They recorded six wins and five draws in that spell. It marked their best sequence since late 2024 and early 2025.
Slot introduced Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike after an hour. The substitutions sent a clear message. The pair combined late to seal control.
Wirtz impressed during his short appearance. He delivered a goal and an assist. Slot praised his creativity and impact. He said the team needed exactly that influence.
Szoboszlai echoed that sentiment after the match. He said Liverpool always take the FA Cup seriously. He praised squad depth and rotation. He said every player matters.
In the end, Liverpool avoided lasting damage. Szoboszlai’s lapse became a footnote. The result ensured his moment of madness carried no lasting cost.
