Tottenham fell to their second successive defeat today after losing 2-1 to Liverpool at Wembley.
However, what caught many people’s eyes, including Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino, was the flailing arm of Jan Vertonghen.
In a one-on-one down Tottenham’s left hand side in the second half of the early kick off, a free-kick was given against Firmino as he clipped the heels of Jan Vertonghen, who had swept across to steal the ball.
However, it was the Liverpool striker who remained on the ground, calling for medics to come to his aide.
Upon closer inspection of the replays, it became clear that Vertonghen’s flailing hand had caught Firmino in the face, with one finger poking quite deep into his eye.
The Liverpool forward was forced off the pitch through injury.
Fans have taken to twitter to discuss the incident, with some implying that Vertonghen gouged the Liverpool man on purpose.
Spurs fans will remember Mousa Dembele receiving a lengthy ban for a gouge on Chelsea’s Costa a few years back, and will be hoping that Vertonghen avoids any retrospective action.
Since when is eye gouging not a red card offence? How is this any less dangerous than a high tackle? No way Vertonghen didn’t knowingly stick his hand in Firmino’s face. If Reg didn’t see it video panel should review #TOTLIV pic.twitter.com/S3BuywcdiU
— Egyptian King (@theshaunsutton) September 15, 2018
Vertonghen trying to blind Firmino to stop his brilliance.
Just watching this makes me cringe? pic.twitter.com/OYg0fyLDQV— Ziyaad (@ZIYAAD_LFC) September 15, 2018
Yes. Hopefully Firmino is alright. He should be. Will be interesting to see if Vertonghen gets a ban or not
— TAA (@TrentsWarfare) September 15, 2018
Vertonghen did this to Firmino earlier today. ? pic.twitter.com/tyENQTboBF
— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) September 15, 2018
I'm gonna just keep telling myself that image of Firmino being given a lobotomy by Vertonghen is Photoshopped.
— Liverpool Offside (@LFCOffside) September 15, 2018
The Reds forward was caught by a flailing hand from Spurs defender Jan Vertonghenhttps://t.co/VtH2zhHxPy
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) September 15, 2018
Oh god Vertonghen just scratched Firmino in the eye now all the Liverpool fans are gonna wage a fucking war and make him the most hated player in world
— Dylan Goff (@Dylangoff18) September 15, 2018