Benitez confirms no Sunderland replay request to be made

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed that there will be no request made to the Premier League to have Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland replayed.

The Reds went down to the Black Cats by a single goal from Darren Bent that deflected in off a beach ball.

By the laws of the game the goal should have been disallowed but Benitez has made it quite clear that the under-par performance from his players that came with it means the Reds have little cause for complaint.

“I think the referees and [referees chief] Keith Hackett know that a mistake has been made but I do not want to criticise because he is a young referee,” said Benitez.

“There are not too many referees around the world so if you have someone who has a passion and wants to be a good referee then the best thing to do is to just move on.”

“A lot of people are saying this but we will not be asking for this.”

The This Is Anfield Forums have been upgraded and are open for 24/7 Liverpool FC discussion and chat. Register here, or if you’re already a user, login here.