Ryan Mason says Diogo Jota was lucky to escape red after Oliver Skipp tackle

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Ryan Mason has suggested that Diogo Jota was lucky to not be sent off for Liverpool after a high challenge on Tottenham midfielder Oliver Skipp.

Speaking to Sky Sports after Spurs’ dramatic 4-3 loss against Jurgen Klopp’s side, the interim Tottenham manager questioned why Jota wasn’t sent off after a high-boot on Skipp left the England youth international on a heap, with the youngster coming off and requiring stitches.

With Jota going on to score a last-second winner to rescue three points for Liverpool, an argument can be made that the 26-year-old was lucky to remain on the pitch given that similar incidents in the Premier League this season have resulted in red cards.

Indeed, a potential sending-off for Jota could have changed the entire dynamic of the match for Tottenham, who could have came away from Anfield with a point having fought back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 heading into stoppage time, and the Spurs interim coach has every right to feel his side have been treated unfairly.

Mason said on Jota not being sent off for his high foot on Skipp: “Honestly, it’s probably the clearest red card you will see on the football pitch. I need an explanation. It endangered the opponent, Skipp needs stitches and Jota has scored the goal when he shouldn’t be on the pitch.”

Jota was very lucky to escape a red card after challenge on Skipp

High boots have often been seen by Premier League fans as a straight red card offence, and with Jota fouling Skipp in such a manner, with the midfielder since receiving medical attention, it’s incredible that VAR didn’t pick up the incident in real-time.

Given that Jota scored the winning goal, Mason’s frustration is more than warranted, and the decision to not send the attacker could be viewed by many as another dodgy decision from VAR that has yet again failed to do its specific job.