Former Real Madrid Coach Furious at VAR Decision As LeBron James-Owned Liverpool Miraculously Survive in FA Cup
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It was a Saturday afternoon clash between two Premier League giants that had everyone talking. The heavyweight matchup between Liverpool, partly owned by NBA superstar LeBron James, and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup.
The match did not disappoint, with both sides putting on an attacking masterclass that resulted in a 2-2 draw. However, it was the officiating in the match that had Wolves coach Julen Lopetegui fuming.
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In the dying minutes of the match, with the score locked at 2-2. The Wolves scored what looked like a match-winning goal. The whole team erupted in celebration, but their joy was short-lived as the referee’s assistant raised his flag for offside.
Julen Lopetegui furious at VAR’s decision
Lopetegui, who also briefly coached Real Madrid in 2018, was convinced that the goal should have stood and called for a review by the video assistant referee (VAR). Unfortunately, the VAR officials were unable to overturn the on-field decision. As they did not have a clear enough camera angle to see whether the attacker was in fact offside.
The official ruling this offside and then VAR upholding that call is a 2008-level bailout for Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/6iRHzdqmYm
— (Sham) (@dopegooner) January 7, 2023
Lopetegui was visibly disappointed in his post-match interview. “Today we are unlucky with the decision and unlucky that we have a lot of chances, enough to win the match. I’m frustrated and disappointed,” he said. “It was a pity that against a fantastic team, they had a lot of chances and scored a third goal and I have to accept (the decision) but it is not offside”.
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🗣️ "We have to accept, but we can say it's a mistake for us."
Julen Lopetegui reacts to the late VAR controversy following @Wolves' 2-2 draw at Anfield.
🎤 @zmansour75 #EmiratesFACup #LIVWOL #WolvesFC pic.twitter.com/JiTV7lKkno
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 7, 2023
The decision proved costly for the Wolves. As they were unable to hang on for the win and will now have to face Liverpool again in a replay. Lopetegui was left incensed by the decision.
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And no doubt will be demanding an even better performance from his team when they take on the Reds again.
LeBron James’ involvement in Liverpool
In 2011, LeBron James made a minority investment in Liverpool Football Club. And while his investment has paid off handsomely, it’s also given him a front-row seat to one of the most successful periods in Liverpool’s history.
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In the seven years since James first invested in Liverpool, the team has won seven major trophies, including the Champions League in 2019. They’ve also become one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world, worth an estimated $4.2 billion. And James has played a role in that success, attending matches and offering his support to the team.
LBJ’s influence on the court is undeniable, but as LeBron turns 38 we review his relationship with football.
From being a Liverpool and AC Milan shareholder to a Nike collab with Mbappé, the King is constantly growing his activity in the world’s game of football 👑⚽️ pic.twitter.com/8NPjA9s3nC
— Stoppage Time (@StoppageTime_FC) December 31, 2022
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In 2022, James exchanged his shares for ownership stakes in FSG, the group that owns Liverpool FC. We will have to wait and see what the future holds for LeBron James and Liverpool FC. But one thing is for sure, with James on their side, the sky is the limit for this team.
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