![\"Hugo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_GettyImages-2254270635.jpg\")
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool is challenged by Jaka Bijol of Leeds United during the Premier League match at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\nHugo Ekitike saw his shouts for a penalty turned down during the first half of Liverpool’s game against Leeds United, despite the striker being held by Jaka Bijol<\/p>\n
James Findlater Content Editor<\/p>\n
19:04, 01 Jan 2026<\/p>\n
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool is challenged by Jaka Bijol of Leeds United during the Premier League match at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards both feel Hugo Ekitike could have been awarded a penalty had he gone down under Jaka Bijol\u2019s challenge during Liverpool\u2019s game against Leeds.<\/p>\n
An uneventful first half in the first game of 2026 at Anfield<\/a> saw the two sides go in goalless at half-time, although the Reds did feel they should have been given the opportunity to take the lead.<\/p>\n Just before the 15-minute mark, Ibrahima Konate<\/a> picked out Ekitike<\/a> with a through ball, with the French international striker charging into the penalty area under pressure from Bijol, who had both arms around his opponent.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Liverpool 0-0 Leeds United LIVE: Ekitike penalty shout, score updates TV channel, stream<\/a>READ MORE: Marc Guehi transfer done and Mohamed Salah departs – 5 Liverpool predictions for 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Ekitike managed to stay on his feet before poking the ball into the path of Florian Wirtz<\/a>, who saw his shot blocked by James Justin, leading to furious protests from Liverpool after Bijol\u2019s challenge.<\/p>\n Referee Chris Kavanagh waved away the shouts for a penalty, with VAR choosing not to intervene. Commentating on the game for Sky Sports, former Liverpool defender Carragher<\/a> felt Ekitike could have given the officials a decision to make if he hadn\u2019t stayed on his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cLook at him just using his body,\u201d Carragher said. \u201cIf he goes down he probably gets a penalty, but he wanted to try and score a goal.<\/p>\n \u201cI think the defender probably does enough to make sure he doesn\u2019t give a penalty away.\u201d<\/p>\n Former Manchester City star Richards<\/a> agreed and suggested that Bijol\u2019s challenge should have been picked up by Kavanagh.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it was sustained holding, but I think because Ekitike is so strong, he does ever so well,\u201d Richards said. \u201cIf he goes down, he probably would\u2019ve looked at it.\u201d<\/p>\n Get LFC’s 2025\/26 season home and away kits<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> From $100<\/p>\n LFC.com<\/p>\n See the deal<\/a><\/p>\n Liverpool’s home and away strips for the 2025\/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.<\/p>\n Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com<\/a> or via the LFC Online Store<\/a> in both the US and across the world.<\/p>\n![\"Former](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_GettyImages-2245005990.jpg\")
Jamie Carragher felt Ekitike could have had a penalty for Liverpool against Leeds(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Liverpools-new-kit-at-the-re-opened-club-shop-at-AnfieldPic-Andrew-Teebay.jpg\")
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