Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane did not hold back after his side capitalised on a rare and costly error from Dominik Szoboszlai during Liverpool’s 4-1 FA Cup victory, branding the midfielder’s actions as “disrespectful”.
Although Liverpool eventually cruised into the fourth round, the turning point that briefly reignited the contest arrived just before half-time.
With the Reds leading comfortably, Szoboszlai tracked back to halt a Barnsley breakaway but, under pressure and only yards from his own goal, attempted an audacious flick instead of clearing his lines.
That split-second decision opened the door for Adam Phillips, a former Liverpool academy graduate, who pounced to fire home and reduce the deficit to 2-1.
While the goal ultimately proved little more than a footnote in the final scoreline, it carried emotional weight for Barnsley and their manager.
Speaking after the match, Hourihane made his feelings clear as he reflected on the incident.
“I’m a little bit disappointed with their player if I’m honest,” said Hourihane in his press conference after the game. “I thought it was a bit disrespectful.
“I don’t think he does that against Chelsea, or Arsenal in a Champions League game. Unbelievable little feeling and buzz for Adam obviously, but a little bit of lack of respect from their player to be honest.”
From Barnsley’s perspective, the goal represented a rare highlight against elite opposition and a proud moment for Phillips against his former club.
However, the gaffer’s comments underline a wider frustration felt by lower-league sides when facing top-flight opponents, where fine margins and moments of perceived complacency can feel magnified.
Arne Slot’s men, to their credit, responded after the break by reasserting control and pulling away to seal a convincing win. Yet even in defeat, the League One side left with a talking point and a reminder that, in cup football, attitude can matter just as much as ability.
As the FA Cup journey continues for Anfield heavyweights, Szoboszlai’s lapse will likely be filed away as a lesson learned. For Barnsley, meanwhile, the moment offered both a goal to savour and a reminder that respect on the pitch is never taken lightly.
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