‘The decision is wrong’ – Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui left fuming over Toti Gomes’ late disallowed strike against Liverpool as FA Cup third round clash ends in draw to force a replay at Molineux

Julen Lopetegui has slammed the decision to overturn Wolves’ late winner against Liverpool in their FA Cup third round clash.

The two clubs couldn’t be separated at Anfield as they played out a 2-2 draw where a replay awaits them later this month at Molineux.

Wolves took the lead through Goncalo Guedes after Alisson’s massive mistake, before Darwin Nunez equalised just before the break.

The Midlands outfit then had to come from behind after Mohamed Salah’s 52nd minute strike, despite the winger appearing to be offside when the ball was played near him.

South Korea international Hwang Hee-chan then got the visitors back on level terms 14 minutes later.

And Wolves then thought they had nicked a dramatic winner in the 82nd minute after Toti Gomes flicked the ball home from Ruben Neves’ pass.

The centre-back raced over to the corner flag where he took his shirt off, before the linesman raised his flag.

VAR took a look at the incident where they agreed with the official’s decision after coming to the opinion that Gomes came back from an offside position.

Lopetegui was furious on the touchline, with referee Andy Madley brandishing him a yellow card over his protests.

And he was still left angry following the full-time whistle where he and club skipper Neves visited Madley in the referee’s room to get clarity over the two offside decisions.

Speaking to ITV after the match, Lopetegui said: “It was only to talk about the two goals. The offside that we had. We have seen it, the offside doesn’t exist, I’m sorry.

“It’s impossible. Someone has told him it’s offside, but we’ve seen the images, it doesn’t exist. Two touches are our players, and the second touch he doesn’t want.

“The decision is wrong. I make mistakes every day, and sometimes they do too. Today we have the help of VAR, and it is a pity, because I’m sorry, it’s not offside.”

Commenting on Salah’s goal, Lopetegui remarked: “It is the same in all the leagues.

“My opinion is we have to talk a lot with the referees about this sort of situation.

“One player took advantage of his position, Mohamed Salah was offside before Toti touched the ball, so he got an advantage.

“Toti, of course, is only going for it because of the offside player. The referee heard us and was very polite, but it has happened now.

“We have to accept it. It is a pity because we deserved to win against a fantastic team like Liverpool.”

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted he can understand why Wolves would be ‘angry’ over their third goal being chalked off.

He stated: “I’m not sure about their third goal. We have one picture where it may look offside.

“But I can understand why they are angry about it. We don’t want the VAR to just have one angle.”