Liverpool’s Andy Robertson could’ve spent Christmas in moon boot as Harry Kane decision slammed by ex-referee

Andy Robertson could have been spending Christmas ‘in a moon boot’ as Harry Kane deserved to be sent off for his lunge during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

That’s the verdict of former referee Mark Clattenburg on the controversial incident during Sunday’s entertaining encounter.

Kane was lucky to stay on the pitch for his high tackle on Robertson, only moments after giving Spurs a 13th-minute lead.

‘I’d have shown Kane a red’

Referee Paul Tierney issued a yellow card, though, which incensed Reds boss Jurgen Klopp on the touchline.

To compound the frustration, it was Robertson who’d eventually be given his marching orders. His swipe on Emerson Royal was reviewed by VAR, with Tierney changing his mind from just a yellow card to a dismissal.

But Clattenburg is adamant Kane deserved the same treatment.

The former Premier League official told Mail Online: “If Harry Kane‘s lunge on Andy Robertson isn’t a red card then I’m not sure what is. The tackle is high, it’s above the ankle, studs are showing and it’s late. It didn’t have a good look to it from any angle.

“Andy Robertson sees the challenge coming from Harry Kane. He knows if he leaves his leg planted then there’s a good chance he’ll be getting stretchered out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and spending Christmas in a moon boot.

“By jumping out of the way, Robertson avoids serious damage. Kane gets away with his lunge as referee Paul Tierney shows only a yellow, with VAR Chris Kavanagh deciding it was not a clear and obvious error. I’d have shown Kane red.

“Just because you’re England captain doesn’t mean you have any special leeway to commit bad challenges. I never treated important English internationals any different.”

Robertson holds hands up

Robertson had been having a superb game before he was sent for an early bath.

The Scotland international’s cross teed-up Diogo Jota’s equaliser before Robertson nodded Liverpool in front on 69 minutes.

Son Heung-min put Spurs level in the 74th minute and then Robertson’s red card all but ended the Reds’ chances of snatching a winner.

However, the full-back held his hands up to his mistake as Klopp’s men soaked up the pressure when a man down to earn a point.

Posting on Instagram, Robertson wrote: “I was brought up to take responsibility when you’ve done something wrong and I have to admit my challenge was poor and misjudged. My mistake giving them the chance to make the decision. Gutted!

“Probably best I don’t speak about other things in the match, other than to say how proud I am of the rest of the team. Me aside, the boys were different class in unbelievably difficult circumstances.

“Support unreal as well in difficult times! Wish we could have rewarded it with a win! Stay safe, YNWA.”

Klopp was adamant Kane deserved to be branded a red card for a reckless challenge which he deemed a ‘leg breaker’.

The Liverpool chief was also unhappy Diogo Jota was not awarded a penalty when bundled over by Emerson in the opening 45 minutes.

Klopp said: “Let’s start with Robbo. We saw it now back and yes, you can give a red card there. It is not the harshest ever but it is not the smartest as well. He is a really good boy but he lost it a little bit.

“But this is the proof that the VAR was there today. Before we thought he might not be in his office because of the two other situations, I think we all agree that Harry Kane should have seen a red card and he didn’t.

“That is a clear, absolutely 100% red card. Very often, you cannot see it clearly or whatever, but in this situation, if Andy Robertson’s foot is still on the ground, his leg is broken. I think we all agree on that. Luckily for both, it was in the air. It is still a red card but the ref saw it differently.

“The penalty situation, Mr Tierney told me he thought Diogo Jota stopped on purpose. He wanted to get it. If you watch this situation back, it is a very exclusive view. It was a very quick decision. I’m not sure he was prepared for it or whatever.”