Liverpool fans loved Phil Thompson’s reaction to Mohamed Salah’s goal on Tuesday night, but some others weren’t impressed.
Salah scored to make it 1-1 against Manchester City in the second-leg of the Champions League quarter-final at the Etihad, and Thompson didn’t hide his allegiances on punditry duty for Sky Sports.
The former Liverpool defender covered the game as part of a Soccer Special on Sky Sports News HQ and became very excited when Salah scored the key goal on the night. The Egyptian netted his 39th goal of an incredible season in the second-half of the encounter between the Premier League rivals.
Salah’s strike meant City needed four goals to advance to the semi-finals, and that was never going to happen. Roberto Firmino then got Liverpool’s second on the night, to make it 5-1 on aggregate and secure the Reds’ place in the last four of the competition for the first time in 10 years.
Here’s how Thompson reacted to Salah scoring:
https://twitter.com/MyBets/status/983796834060644353
We think Phil Thompson enjoyed Liverpool’s Champions League win last night 👀 pic.twitter.com/Bj6BKTFGHg
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) April 11, 2018
Thompson has been a Liverpool fan all his life. He played for the club for over a decade and made more than 400 appearances. The former defender won seven league titles with Liverpool and three European Cups, as well as two League Cups, two Uefa Cups and the FA Cup. After retiring, he became a coach at the club.
So, we probably shouldn’t be surprised to see him celebrate a big goal for Liverpool in such a manner, even if he was there in his capacity as a pundit, rather than a fan. Any other reaction from Thompson wouldn’t have been genuine.
Yet, it didn’t go down well with everyone, with some saying Thompson should have shown some restraint.
There are Man City fans who watch Sky Sports (I expect). Don't think they'd appreciate Phil Thompson celebrating. Shouldn't it be impartial? Or at least have a genuine representative for Man City? @SkySportsNews
— Harry (@HarryCFC180) April 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/CharlieJSmith91/status/983798719396089858
Joke 👎 not good that from Sky I thought they had better class than that
— Julie Mc (@JulieMCFC) April 11, 2018
how biased is Phil Thompson 😂
— Chris (@CWRyder) April 10, 2018
@SkySportsNews Fancy getting Phil Thompson to watch the Roma v Barcelona game instead of the liverpool one? If i wanted biased views i would listen to liverpool TV!! #MCILIV
— Paul (@JustPaul85) April 10, 2018
Phil Thompson on #GilletteSoccerSpecial is possibly the most annoying thing on the TV. The most partisan pundit who should never be allowed to cover Liverpool games!! @SkyFootball
— Broken Spur (@GaryLittle4) April 10, 2018
