Joe Gomez has drawn criticism for what some see as a rules workaround during Liverpool’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham on Tuesday. Former PGMOL general manager Keith Hackett felt referee Andy Madeley should have stepped in after an odd moment involving the Liverpool defender in the first half at Anfield.
Liverpool advanced to the next round with goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai, while Conor Gallagher scored Tottenham’s consolation. The match itself was largely uneventful, but one incident involving Gomez stood out to Hackett.
Around the 30-minute mark, with Liverpool awarded an advanced throw-in, Gomez needed to dry the ball — pitchside towels are no longer allowed, as they can slow down play. Rather than using a towel, he reportedly had a nearby ballboy dry the ball on his own tracksuit while sitting pitchside. Hackett called the method unacceptable and said he was surprised the referee let it go unchallenged, suggesting it amounted to improper handling of the ball at a throw-in.
For Tottenham, the result continues a rough run against Premier League-level opposition. Gallagher’s goal ended their scoreless streak against top-flight teams this season, but Spurs are still without a win in five such matches — their only victory all season coming against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup’s second round. They showed flashes of promise against Liverpool but ultimately couldn’t match their opponents’ quality, and their cup run is now over while Liverpool advance after another strong Anfield performance.
