Darwin Nunez spotted making gesture behind referee’s back after Liverpool’s defeat at Everton
DARWIN NUNEZ was spotted making a “petulant” gesture to the officials after Liverpool’s crushing defeat at Everton.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were beaten 2-0 in the Merseyside derby at Goodison on Wednesday.
That result was a hammer blow to the Reds’ title hopes as they failed to go level with Arsenal.
Liverpool are three points behind the Gunners, with both having played 34 games.
However, reigning champs Man City are just a point behind the Anfield club, with two games in hand.
Everton flew out of the traps and deservedly took the lead through Jarrad Branthwaite in the 27th minute.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed home in the 58th minute to double the advantage as Liverpool failed to lay a glove on their neighbours.
Nunez had their best opportunity, but the Uruguayan fired straight at Jordan Pickford having been played through on goal before half time to level.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher called that “unforgivable” as he questioned his development since his £85m from Benfica in 2022.
We revealed previously how stars were only just getting used to new rules regarding dissent this season with refs no longer allowing themselves to be berated by players.
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And footy fans also took aim at the 24-year-old after they spotted his reaction at the full-time whistle.
In a video circulating on social media, Nunez was spotted sarcastically applauding towards referee Andy Madley and his assistants, who appeared not to notice his gesture.
His boss Klopp and team-mate Mo Salah soon saw him and attempted to calm him down.
And it did not take long for supporters to vent their fury on social media.
One wrote: “Nunez was that invisible even the lino got confused when he heard clapping.”
Another commented: “Salah and Klopp were telling him to put a lid on it. His petulance can be so damn annoying.”
A third wrote: “He’s giving it large like he wasn’t so s*** that his own manager shushed him.”
A fourth said: “Does Darwin even know we lost the league? Maybe he does not know.. I am serious.”
While another added: “If this is him trying to get the fans back on his side it won’t work it’ll actually make it worse just get ur head down and p*** off back to the dressing room.”
Nunez has scored 11 goals this term in 32 Premier League appearances.
Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after him
By Dan King
LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
“The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.
But Carragher does not believe that is good enough as he told Sky Sports: “The chance that Nunez misses before half-time, that is unforgivable at this level.
“That is not acceptable at this level, certainly when Liverpool are going for the title.
“I think there is a question to ask. You want him to do well because there is so much that you like because he gives everything, he runs and causes trouble and gets the odd goal and gets an assist.
“But after two years, when Liverpool this season are going to the title and those big games, you need your man to score away at Old Trafford, away at Goodison, in the European game at Atalanta.
“There is no time to waste, this is not October or November. This is the business end.”
Liverpool have four games remaining in the top-flight.
That run-in starts with a lunchtime trip to West Ham on Saturday.
It is followed by clashes with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Wolves.