Liverpool Star Dominik Szoboszlai Apologises After ‘Disrespectful’ Error Costs Goal Against Barnsley

Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai has apologised after his needless mistake cost Liverpool a clean sheet in Monday’s FA Cup win against Barnsley.

The Hungarian midfielder had given his side the lead at Anfield with a trademark rocket from long range.

Hosts Liverpool then doubled their advantage after quick feet and a tidy finish from Jeremie Frimpong.

But Arne Slot’s side would concede to League One Barnsley before half-time – in bizarre fashion.

A ridiculous mistake from Szoboszlai handed former Anfield youth player Adam Phillips the simplest of tap-ins at the Kop end.

Szoboszlai – who has been linked to Real Madrid in recent months – inexplicably attempted to back-heel the ball to goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili inside his own six-yard box.

But he scuffed the misjudged flick and allowed Phillips to pounce and score, earning a fantatstic reward for not giving up on his pressing duties.

Dominik Szoboszlai vs Barnsley:

Scores a brilliant strike from outside the box

Makes a shocking mistake that leads to a Barnsley goal

How would you rate his overall performance in today’s match? pic.twitter.com/MHajKVTgDx

— Ramy (@Ramy_Stats) January 12, 2026

Liverpool went on to win 4-1 thanks to two more excellent goals from replacements Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

The Reds now face Brighton in the fourth round after the Seagulls beat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford.

But Szoboszlai’s error has drawn widespread criticism for the ‘arrogance’ displayed against a lower-league opponent.

And the player felt the need to apologise publicly after the game, acknowledging his error.

Dominik Szoboszlai Apologises For Mistake Against Barnsley

While ultimately, the mistake did not affect the result, Dominik Szoboszlai will know he made a needless error.

Speaking on TNT Sports after the game, he apologised to his teammates.

“Sorry for the team again,” he said. “I made it hard for us with an easy mistake, I would say.

“But football happens. We move on and we take the next round.”

However, many have accused the Hungarian of overconfidence, and suggested attempting such a high-risk play was a sign of disrespect to Barnsley.

And it hard to argue that he would have tried something so unnecessary in a Premier League fixture.

Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Unimpressed By Szoboszlai Error

After the game, both managers made it clear they were unhappy with Szoboszlai’s back-heel.

Reds boss Arne Slot said: “I don’t think you should do that in an FA Cup game or League Cup, a friendly game or even a training session.

“I have my opinion about that that I am definitely going to share with him.”

Meanwhile, Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane said: “I’m a little bit disappointed with their player if I’m honest. I thought he was a little bit disrespectful.

“I don’t think he does that against Chelsea or Arsenal or in a Champions League game. Delighted for Adam, but disrespectful from their player.”

️ “I thought it was disrespectful”
️ “This mistake definitely stands out, it wasn’t helpful for us”

Conor Hourihane and Arne Slot react to the mistake by Dominik Szoboszlai in Liverpool’s win over Barnsley and the Liverpool midfielder would later apologise for it pic.twitter.com/225cYjPs2d

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 13, 2026

And Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson also criticised his teammate for the needless and complacent mistake.

Robertson explained: “The frustrating thing is Dom does this unbelievable 60-yard sprint to start with. He’s getting the clap off the Kop and I don’t know if that maybe went to his head.

“We can joke about it now but it’s unacceptable to lose a goal like that. Dom obviously knows that.

“He’s been magnificent for us this season and he was again really good. He just had a lapse of concentration, and we can’t afford too many of them in the six-yard box.

“I don’t think Gio [Mamardashvili] was too happy. He wants to keep a clean sheet, the defence wants to keep a clean sheet as well, so it wasn’t great. It gave them a way back in and it was 2-1 for a long time. It made it a bit nervy but we got there in the end.”