Former referee Dermot Gallagher has branded James Milner's challenge on Fabian Schar in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday as a 'really good tackle' and says it wasn't a foul.
The Reds beat Eddie Howe's side in the early kick-off this weekend to keep the heat on Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. Naby Keita 's goal proved to be the difference on the day, but sections of the Newcastle support felt there was a foul in the build up to the goal.
Liverpool midfielder Milner won back possession with a challenge on the Newcastle defender, which led to a move that ended with Keita slotting an effort beyond Martin Dubravka. Referee Andre Marriner waved play on and after a VAR check, the goal was given.
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Gallagher believes it was the right decision and says the 36-year-old won the ball 'cleanly' and Schar simply goes into him.
"I think the referee let the right things go," he told Sky Sports. "I don't think it was a foul. This was the 12:30 game on a Saturday morning and it sets the precedent for the rest of the weekend.
"I think that's a really good tackle (from Milner). He wins the ball and then Schar goes into him and that's why he goes over. Not a foul for me and I think that set the tone for the weekend. I think it was a really good level.
"He didn't win the ball and go through Schar, if you watch, Milner wins the ball cleanly and Schar then connects with him and goes over. Not a foul."
Liverpool temporarily went top of the table following the victory, but City comfortably beat Leeds United 4-0 in the later kick-off on Saturday. Now, they're both in Champions League action this week in hope of booking themselves a place in this year's final at the Stade de France.
