Liverpool fans rage at referee after Hugo Ekitike penalty decision vs Leeds - 'Literally anywhere'

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Liverpool fans were less than impressed by referee Chris Kavanagh's decision to not award the Reds a penalty against Leeds after Jaka Bijol's challenge on Hugo Ekitike

Hugo Ekitike reacts after Liverpool's goalless draw with Leeds(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool fans have laid into referee Chris Kavanagh and the PGMOL after seeing their side denied a penalty against Leeds United.

The Reds had shouts for a first-half spot-kick turned down during the first half of their opening game of 2026 at Anfield. Just before the 15-minute mark, Ibrahima Konate picked out Hugo Ekitike with a through ball, with the French international striker charging into the penalty area under pressure from Jaka Bijol.

The Leeds defender had both arms around his opponent, but Ekitike managed to stay on his feet before laying the ball off to Florian Wirtz, who saw his shot blocked by James Justin.

Liverpool, though, was left incensed that it wasn’t awarded a penalty for Bijol’s challenge, with Ekitike remonstrating with Kavanagh furiously. The decision proved to be pivotal, with the hosts being held to a goalless draw.

And Liverpool fans were less than impressed with the call as they directed their ire at the officials.

“Literally anywhere else on the pitch, that gets called back for a foul,” one fan commented on Reddit.

“Either way you look at it; game’s gone,” another said.

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

“When the commentator said 'it's been checked and cleared by VAR' I just burst out laughing,” was one supporter’s response.

“Another stellar performance from the PGMOL,” another fan summed up.

The incident led to both Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards agreeing that Ekitike could have won a penalty had he not stayed on his feet under Bijol’s challenge.

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

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

Former Manchester City star Richards added: “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.”

Liverpool.com says: It’s no wonder Arne Slot has been encouraging his players to go down more this season. It is so frustrating that officials choose not to give these sorts of decisions when a player is clearly being impeded, all because they’ve tried their best to stay on their feet.