Liverpool fans up in arms after what happened to Wataru Endo in Southampton game

Liverpool are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals after running out 2-1 winners over Southampton in Wednesday’s quarter-final at St Mary’s.

The Reds opened the scoring through Darwin Nunez in the 24th minute before the returning Harvey Elliott made it 2-0 just after the half-hour mark.

Southampton halved the deficit on 59 minutes through Cameron Archer, but Liverpool hung on to make it to the last four of the competition.

Although Liverpool fans were given a solid performance and result from their players, there was one point of contention during the match.

This involved Wataru Endo, who was involved in an incident which Reds supporters felt referee Simon Hooper should have intervened over.

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Liverpool fans unhappy play wasn’t stopped after Wataru Endo ball to the face

In the build-up to Archer’s goal, Endo was hit in the face by the ball, which resulted in him going and staying down on the pitch.

Liverpool fans felt the referee should have stopped play, saying what happened to Endo constituted a blow to the head.

One supporter wrote on X: “Head injury, should’ve stopped immediately not to mention the goal came from Endo getting a head injury.”

Another said: “By letter of law shouldn’t have stood as Endo was down holding his head after a ball in the face at point blank range. Refs have to stop the game in that situation.”

The criticism for Hooper kept coming, with one writing: “So what happened to play stopping for a head injury?

“I’ve seen play stopped for people having their shoulder tickled and claiming head injury but Endo gets the ball smashed into his head and suddenly that’s not enough?”

Another put: “Endo took that ball to his face and went down and Hooper played on when it’s a clear head injury.

“Play should’ve been stopped and the goal wouldn’t have happened. Really good strike by Archer though to be fair.”

How the media rated Endo display v Southampton

Endo picked himself up, dusted himself off and helped Liverpool triumph against Southampton, earning praise from fans and media outlets alike.

Goal.com gave Endo a 7 out of 10 and wrote: “Asked to fill in at centre-back and did an excellent job.

“With the Japan international repeatedly stepping into midfield to good effect, most notably in the build-up to the second goal.”

Likewise, Liverpool World went with a 7 out of 10 and said: “Displayed so much tactical nous as a makeshift centre-back in the first half.

“Forayed into the engine room when Liverpool were in possession, playing a part in the second goal and made a couple of crunching tackles.

“However, cheaply gave the ball away to allow Southampton back into the game.”