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'Disgraceful': Outrage over Chelsea player's 'disgusting' act

andrew reid
·4-min read
Seen here, Mateo Kovacic sparks anger after kicking a ball into Sadio Mane's head.
Mateo Kovacic copped widespread criticism for a second half incident with Sadio Mane. Pic: Optus Sport/Getty

Football fans have slammed Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic for what's been described as a "disgusting" act in the Blues' 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield.

The Reds were condemned to unprecedented misery at Anfield by Mason Mount's superb strike late in the first half on Thursday.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted his side's loss against Chelsea was a "massive blow" as his troubled club lost five successive home games for the first time in their storied history.

Rubbing salt into the wounds for the defending champions was an unsavoury incident between Kovacic and Sadio Mane - late in the second half.

Referee Martin Atkinson had blown for a foul on Mane, who tumbled to the ground with Kovacic fast approaching him.

Rather than stop after hearing the referee's whistle, Kovacic decided to kick the ball into the side of the Liverpool forward, who was still lying on the ground.

Mane jumped up in anger and risked being booked himself after momentarily grabbing the Chelsea midfielder around the neck.

Incredibly, neither player was booked in the incident that left fans disgusted with Kovacic's cheap shot on his rival.

Anfield woes continue for Reds

Liverpool's loss continued a staggering run of home form that came after Klopp's team went 68 games in a row unbeaten at Anfield.

Formerly the owner of one of Europe's most devastating attacks, Liverpool only managed one effort on goal against Chelsea. Mohamed Salah was substituted after barely an hour; Mane and Roberto Firmino barely threatened either.

Mount scored the winner for Chelsea in the 42nd minute, cutting in from the left and curling home from the edge of the area for a goal that sent the Blues into the top four and dropped Liverpool to seventh place.

It was Chelsea's first win at Anfield since 2014.

Pictured here, Chelsea's Mason Mount celebrates his winning goal at Liverpool.
Mason Mount was the match-winner for Chelsea at Anfield. Pic: Getty

Qualifying for the Champions League looks to be increasingly unlikely for Liverpool, who are now four points adrift of Chelsea and even behind Merseyside rivals Everton.

Eight months after winning the Premier League by 18 points, Liverpool are 22 points behind first-place Manchester City.

"It is not about Anfield or whatever, it is in general, too often. In the decisive moments we have to improve," Klopp said.

"You cannot say it is only at home. We have to show our quality in these moments and we don't do that often enough.

"It was a tight, intense game. It is a massive blow. We have to win football games. It is not done yet."

with agencies

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