Diogo Jota refutes fake fall accusations, cites Newcastle goalkeeper in defense
During a recent game between Liverpool and Newcastle, Liverpool fans erupted in cheers in the 84th minute as Mohamed Salah converted a penalty to cap off a thrilling 4-2 victory over Newcastle. However, the joyous celebrations were quickly overshadowed by a storm of controversy surrounding the spot-kick’s origin. Diogo Jota, clean through on goal, found himself in the box with only Martin Dubravka to beat. Seemingly unimpeded, Jota went down after two strides, raising eyebrows and igniting accusations of a fake fall.
Replays offered little clarity. A faint brush from Dubravka’s boot did touch Jota’s leg, but its significance became the crux of the debate. Was it enough to throw a player of Jota’s calibre off balance? Or was his fall embellished, a blatant attempt to con the referee? Liverpool defended their man, claiming the contact, however slight, warranted a penalty.
VAR’s intervention added a layer of confusion. After a lengthy review, the referee’s on-field decision stood. Social media exploded, fans on both sides exchanging barbs. Pundits weighed in, fueling the fire with accusations and justifications. Following the game, a couple of footballing greats shared their two cents on the matter. Arsenal’s great man, Ian Wright slammed Jota for putting up an act for the sake of a penalty rather than trying to score a genuine goal.
“Would rather go down for a penalty than put the ball in an empty net! Seen it all!,” he wrote on X. His tweet prompted a quick reply from Newcastle great, Alan Shearer who didn’t mince his words. “F***ing embarrassing,” he wrote.
“That’s what I like to do- to score goals”
Jota, while speaking to Liverpool Echo, has responded to the criticism levied on him. Jota said that even the keeper, Dubravka felt that there was a touch. In what was a reply to Wright, the 27-year-old said that his primary goal was always to score goals.
“Listen, of course I saw some comments from ex-players and people who are paid to talk about situations. The only thing I can say is even the keeper said it was a touch and I didn’t feel the conditions to stay up. So that’s it. Would I rather put the ball in the net than see Mo take a penalty? Yes, of course. That’s what I like to do – to score goals. That’s all I have to say,” he said.
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