Andoni Iraola fumed over a technology blunder after waiting multiple minutes for a substitution board during his first Anfield outing. Liverpool ultimately held Forest to a 2-2 draw in the match, which featured goals from Alexander Isak, Dan Ndoye, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Victor Munoz.
Touchline Frustrations and Fourth Official Delay at Anfield
Andoni Iraola’s first match in charge at Anfield saw Nottingham Forest hold Liverpool to a 2-2 draw, but the post-match discussion centred on a technology blunder on the touchline. According to The Independent, the Liverpool manager fumed over being made to wait multiple minutes for a triple substitution just moments before Liverpool conceded a penalty.
The disruption occurred when fourth official Tim Robinson took a lengthy period of time to get his substitution board ready. Iraola stated to TNT Sports that a professional official cannot take three minutes for the task, explaining that the team had already given notice of the changes a couple of minutes prior and was blocked from making them during the previous stop in play.
“I will analyse the penalty, but a professional fourth official cannot take three minutes [to make subs],” the Liverpool manager told TNT Sports. “We’ve already given the subs like two or three minutes before.”
Andoni Iraola, Liverpool manager
From Dan Ndoye’s Opener to Morgan Gibbs-White’s Penalty
Alexander Isak leveled the score for the Reds on the hour mark. However, Forest reclaimed the advantage 10 minutes later.
The penalty incident arose when Alisson brought down Neco Williams, who had darted into the area following a quick throw-in by Liam Delap. Morgan Gibbs-White stepped up and successfully converted from the spot to restore Forest’s lead.
Late Substitutions and Victor Munoz’s Equaliser
Liverpool eventually executed their triple change after Gibbs-White scored his penalty kick. Kostas Tsimikas, Ryan Gravenberch, and Rio Ngumha entered the match, replacing Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Cody Gakpo.
Despite falling behind for the second time, the hosts clawed the game back to secure a 2-2 draw when new signing Victor Munoz rifled home an equaliser in the 82nd minute.
Upcoming Fixture Away to Ipswich Town
Reflecting on the sequence of events to BBC Sport, Iraola noted that the official was having an issue with the board, adding it wasn’t just that reason [for the penalty] but everything helps.
Liverpool now turn their attention ahead to their next fixture, which will be away to Ipswich Town on Friday 4 September.
