DEAL AGREED AND MADDISON UPDATE: James Maddison gets it wrong on both Liverpool red cards as $67m ‘deal in principle agreed’

In a game in which Liverpool was reduced to nine men after receiving its third and fourth dismissals of the season, the red cards were not the most talked-about refereeing decision — but in the midst of all the VAR controversy, these judgments deserve attention as well.

Maddison issues a red card.

Both red card decisions against Liverpool were correct in James Maddison’s opinion. In an interview with Sky Sports (via The Boot Room), he stated, “Jota’s definitely was [a red card].” I believe the Curtis Jones one that was shown on the big screen early on was also a red card. I doubt Jürgen will have many complaints about those two.”

If nothing else, Maddison was true about Klopp’s objections being restricted – but only because the Liverpool manager dreaded a large fine. In actuality, both decisions were quite dubious.

Of all, Diogo Jota was only to blame for flying into a challenge while on a yellow card, but the initial booking appeared to be light at best. Destiny Udogie may have only grazed the Liverpool man’s knee as he raced, but he appeared to have tripped himself.

Regarding the game-changing decision to dismiss Jones early in the game, the film displayed to Maddison, the rest of the audience, and even referee Simon Hooper was fundamentally defective. The clip began with a bad-looking static image, then rolled back only a short distance and was exhibited in reality-distorting slow motion.

So Maddison is ultimately incorrect on both counts. The biggest blunder of the day was the VAR debacle, but Liverpool should have finished the game with 11 players as well.

Alexander-Arnold ‘agrees in principle’ to the proposal.

After such a rage-inducing evening yesterday, Liverpool really needs some good news. So let’s hope Football Insider’s claim that Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed to a ‘agreement in principle’ on a new contract at Anfield is correct.

Alexander-Arnold will reportedly make more than $244k (£200k/€230k) per week under the new contract, putting him among the group of high-earners below Mohamed Salah. ‘Significant progress’ has been made on the contract, which will be valued more than $67 million (£55 million/€63 million) throughout its life.

Alexander-Arnold’s current contract expires in 2025. Klopp and Liverpool fans alike will want to see him commit his long-term future to the club.