Experienced English referee clears confusion regarding Southampton's goalscorer | OneFootball

Almost every moment in Southampton's Anfield game was tainted by controversy. Recently, ex-referee Keith Hackett cleared Will Smallbone's goal, which too had been in discussions lately.

An unpopular opinion, no supporter would've returned upset from the recent Southampton Vs Liverpool Anfield matchday. While the Reds' fans leveraged another win, the positive Saints' performance would've certainly lured every Southampton fan present.

Still, doesn't something feel missing? Yes, the matchday drama that both these clubs, fans, and everyone watching must've enjoyed.

Notably, this Anfield trip had so many questionable referee calls surrounding controversies that the fixture can be termed a classic. After all, it's been 3 days, and still, discussions prevail among fans for various decisions.

Sounds interesting, right? Well, it was, but not anymore. In an already high-stakes battle for both teams, some poor refereeing decisions have the fans to doubt nearly every key decision.

And it's result? Now, even clear calls like Southampton's go-ahead goal are being rejudged.

So what happened was that moments before halftime, an unexpected stir happened inside the Liverpool box. In particular, Reds keeper Alisson and Mateus Fernandes clashed and in the aftermath, the ball went to Smallbone, who netted it making it 1-0 for Southampton.

Now, for Saints supporters, the goal obviously stood correct, but for Liverpool fans, it should have been disallowed for a foul or an offside.

Hackett gives the green signal for Smallbone's goal decision

But, now we know, it was a correctly allowed goal, thanks to clarification from ex-referee Keith Hackett.

Writing in his Football Insider column, Hackett mentioned: "He’s (Fernandes) not impacting on the goalkeeper. I think there’s a coming together and Alisson’s gone down, I’d want more than that to disallow the goal."

Well given, the intense physical action of the Premier League, Hackett's assessment feels perfect.

Otherwise, as well, all this Will Smallbone goal did was affect Liverpool's goal difference tally a bit, nothing else. Anyway, given Southampton's errors, a victory for the Reds was completely seen coming.