Liverpool ace Fabinho escapes red card just two minutes after coming on for horror challenge on Brighton’s Evan Ferguson

FABINHO escaped a red card after a horror challenge on Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.

The midfielder was on the field for only two minutes of the FA Cup tie before he sunk his studs into the back of striker Ferguson.

AFPFabinho escaped a red card after a horror challenge on Brighton’s Evan Ferguson[/caption]

ReutersFabinho was only shown yellow[/caption]

ReutersEvan Ferguson is helped off the field[/caption]

Fabinho was shown yellow but VAR refused to overturn it to a red – as the Brazilian avoided a sending off.

It left fans puzzled online as they were left in disbelief over the decision.

One said: “Fabinho literally knew it was a red and they still haven’t given it.”

Another said: “VAR is an absolute joke. Fabinho’s challenge on Ferguson is the clearest and most obvious red card you’ll see all season.”

One added: “That Fabinho challenge is one of the worst you’ll ever see.

“Absolutely f***** shocking. How f*** is VAR not turning that to a red card.”

Another added: “Should be a straight red for Fabinho there. Hope Ferguson is alright, lucky his Achilles is intact..”

Ferguson was taken off, replaced by Deniz Undav, and had to be helped down the tunnel as he cut a worried look.

The drama on the field did not stop there though, as Brighton grabbed a dramatic late winner.

Left-back Pervis Estupinan took down a free-kick from Pascal Gross and lofted it into the box.

He picked out winger Kaoru Mitoma, who produced two magical touches to create space and fire pass Alisson.

But the celebrations could only commence after a VAR check ruled that crosser Estupinan was onside.

Harvey Elliot had opened the scoring on the half hour mark only for Lewis Dunk to level nine minutes later.

And the Premier League sides looked to be heading for an Anfield replay before Mitoma’s late winner.

AFPKaoru Mitoma celebrates Brighton’s winner[/caption]