Liverpool boss Brendan Roders LIFTS LID on Newcastle penalty decision at Anfield

BRENDAN RODGERS says Liverpool were lucky not to concede a penalty in their victory over Newcastle at Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers with Raheem SterlingPA

Brendan Rodgers (left) admits Newcastle should have had a penalty at Anfield

Magpies forward Ayoze Perez was upended by Dejan Lovren only for referee Lee Mason to wave play off in the first half.

The Reds went on to a 2-0 victory thanks to a Raheem Sterling stunner and Joe Allen’s second-half finish.

The win means Liverpool are now just four points off fourth-place Manchester City with six games remaining.

But Rodgers expressed his relief at getting through a tough game.

"I think we were fortunate not to give away a penalty, but thankfully it didn't go against us,” Rodgers told Sky Sports.

“Joe Allen is very much an unsung player for us. He does a lot of the dirty work for us, pressing the ball excellently and great in possession.

"I thought we showed attacking intent in the game, won the ball back quickly and controlled the game until the last five six minutes in the first half, when we started to give the ball away too cheaply.”

Rodgers’ opposite number, John Carver, also thought it was a penalty as Newcastle suffered their fifth straight defeat.

"I thought it was stone-wall and looking back at it it was,” he said.

"I keep coming in front of the camera and talking about it but everyone out there has seen it is a penalty. Even Brendan said straight away it is a penalty.

"I will phone Mike Riley tomorrow, he will probably agree but it gets us nothing.”

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