Sevilla need reminding that tonight is an entirely meaningless pre-season friendly.
Midfielder Diego Carlos should have been sent off for two nasty tackles that were both worth yellow cards, one of which could have injured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
And Ever Banega, who was bizarrely furious at the referee throughout the first 45 minutes at Fenway Park, elbowed Harry Wilson and got away with it.
The Welshman was in a bad way afterwards, but thankfully, managed to carry on and exit for half-time on his own terms.
Jurgen Klopp couldn’t understand what was going on with the angry Spaniards and let their new coach Julen Lopetegui know his thoughts after the first 45 minutes were up, according to Neil Jones of Goal.
On Twitter, plenty of respected Liverpool correspondents voiced their concerns over Sevilla’s aggressive conduct, which was totally unnecessary and not even provoked by any bad Liverpool tackling.
Strange, strange behaviour! We’ve embedded the tweets in question below.
https://twitter.com/stehoare/status/1153076197280145408
Sevilla appear to think this is a Champions League game rather than a pre-season friendly.
— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) July 21, 2019
Klopp having words with the Sevilla coaching staff as the players leave the pitch. Clearly annoyed by some of the tackles (and elbows) flying in.
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) July 21, 2019
Nolito with a scorcher on the hottest day in Boston since 1991 to put Sevilla 1-0 up, before Divock Origi equalised – Trent Alexander-Arnold's corner was headed down by Nat Phillips and deflected towards him. Not a good half from #LFC, some awful dangerous play from Sevilla.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) July 21, 2019
I’m not sure Ever Banega realises this is a friendly. Some mad challenges flying in here.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) July 21, 2019
Banega with his 14th shithouse tackle of the half while on an early yellow card. This time he leaves Wilson down holding his face.
Hendo now with a very poor pass at the back sets up a dangerous strike for Sevilla. Nothing comes of it.
— Stephen Drennan (@babuyagu) July 21, 2019
Klopp having some stern words with Sevilla coach as teams depart at half-time
— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) July 21, 2019
Wilson has just got a tough one by an arm in the face from Banega. Sevilla have been really naughty in this half. Liverpool may have been worried about the pitch but it's the Sevilla players who are proving dangerous.
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) July 21, 2019