Liverpool vs Porto: Mohamed Salah ‘very fortunate to not be sent off’ vs Porto

The Egyptian caught Danilo with a studs-up challenge in the 2-0 victory in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final with the challenge unpunished

Mohamed Salah was “fortunate not to be sent off” in Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Porto, according to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg.

The Egyptian caught Danilo with a studs-up challenge that caught the Portuguese on his shin.

And Clattenburg is shocked Salah remained on the field, even after Spanish referee Antonio Mateu missed the incident, insisting VAR should have been used.

“Mo Salah was very fortunate not to be sent off for his challenge on Porto’s Danilo Pereira,” Clattenburg told the Mail.

“The Liverpool forward comes over the top of the ball and clearly plants his studs onto the shin of his opponent.

“UEFA guidelines on this type of challenge are clear – anything with studs above the ankle is a red card.

“The VAR should have sent the referee to the review area, where I am sure he would have decided that Salah should be sent off. Instead, he is free to play in the second leg.”

Salah is now available to play in the second leg next week, with the Reds taking a comfortable 2-0 lead to Portugal.

Should they safely negotiate the Estadio Do Dragao, the Reds will face Manchester United or Barcelona in the semi-finals.

Salah tackles Danilo (AFP/Getty)

Next up for Salah and co. is Chelsea in the Premier League at Anfield, with focus firmly back on the title race.