Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards agree on Hugo Ekitike penalty shout during Liverpool vs Leeds

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Hugo Ekitike saw his shouts for a penalty turned down during the first half of Liverpool's game against Leeds United, despite the striker being held by Jaka Bijol

Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool is challenged by Jaka Bijol of Leeds United during the Premier League match at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)

Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards both feel Hugo Ekitike could have been awarded a penalty had he gone down under Jaka Bijol’s challenge during Liverpool’s game against Leeds.

An uneventful first half in the first game of 2026 at Anfield saw the two sides go in goalless at half-time, although the Reds did feel they should have been given the opportunity to take the lead.

Just before the 15-minute mark, Ibrahima Konate picked out Ekitike with a through ball, with the French international striker charging into the penalty area under pressure from Bijol, who had both arms around his opponent.

Ekitike managed to stay on his feet before poking the ball into the path of Florian Wirtz, who saw his shot blocked by James Justin, leading to furious protests from Liverpool after Bijol’s challenge.

Referee Chris Kavanagh waved away the shouts for a penalty, with VAR choosing not to intervene. Commentating on the game for Sky Sports, former Liverpool defender Carragher felt Ekitike could have given the officials a decision to make if he hadn’t stayed on his feet.

“Look at him just using his body,” Carragher said. “If he goes down he probably gets a penalty, but he wanted to try and score a goal.

Jamie Carragher felt Ekitike could have had a penalty for Liverpool against Leeds(Image: Getty Images)

“I think the defender probably does enough to make sure he doesn’t give a penalty away.”

Former Manchester City star Richards agreed and suggested that Bijol’s challenge should have been picked up by Kavanagh.

“I think it was sustained holding, but I think because Ekitike is so strong, he does ever so well,” Richards said. “If he goes down, he probably would’ve looked at it.”

Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge didn’t seem as certain as his fellow pundits, and instead was more disappointed in Wirtz’s resultant effort, having felt the German international should have scored.

“I don’t know about a pen but certainly he was holding him for a period of time,” Sturridge said.

“Fantastic run, the timing and the pass was brilliant from Konate. Look at the strength, get off, and you’re thinking Wirtz, come on, put that away.”