Liverpool have been forced to withdraw defender Joel Matip from today’s crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford – and fans are far from happy with the situation.
The problem stems from an issue with governing body FIFA and Matip’s country Cameroon, who are currently taking part in the African Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon.
Matip has previously stated he didn’t want to be considered for selection but the Cameroonian FA are yet to officially clear the centre-back to continue playing club football, meaning if he played this afternoon without the proper clearance, he could end up being subject to a fine and a ban.
Liverpool issued a statement via their website this afternoon explaining they were working towards “a speedy and unambiguous resolution” but that won’t keep supporters happy with Jose Mourinho’s side lying in wait:
No Matip then. Our chances of winning today just got even slimmer. What a fucking joke.
— David Martinez (@DMARTINEZ_85) January 15, 2017
Can we not just play Matip? Or is infantino gonna swoop down onto the pitch and grab him? Fine us? So fucking what.
— KloppetyKlopp (@Bazza_23) January 15, 2017
Matip was one of the best Center backs in the league before his injury and now this. Fucking kill me
— Sam Walton (@Swaltonfam) January 15, 2017
No matip fuck off Fifa??
— Michael fleming (@Micnigs74) January 15, 2017
I'd understand if Matip had played international football in the last 2 years but he hasn't, clearly doesn't want to play for Cameroon.
— David Hickman (@DavidHickman87) January 15, 2017
Well done @FIFAcom You've showed again how useless you are. A player thats not played for Cameroon since Sept 15 can't get clearance? #matip
— David Holmes (@DaveHolmes1985) January 15, 2017
Isn't Matip retired? what's the confusion for…
— THE SOWAH's® (@jamessowah) January 15, 2017
Why do our best centre backs always get fucked over for no reason by FIFA? Sakho's false drug charge was bad but this Matip thing is a joke
— Ellis?? (@EllisKarran) January 15, 2017
Matip withdrawn from Reds squad. Clueless, dishonest #FIFA lawmakers. Feel for the lad and #LFC
— Abbie Michaelson (@abbiemich) January 15, 2017
How can one of the biggest companies in the world not know if a player is allowed to play football
— Danny (@StrokeMatip) January 15, 2017
Liverpool fans mourning Joel matip makes one think that he is the Nesta of English football.. for fuck sake he was sub for DANTE.. yes DANTE
— ALI J (@janbein) January 15, 2017
@LFC @ManUtd "No Matip" pic.twitter.com/rS0XlzvGcG
— – (@Adytria21) January 15, 2017
No Matip… today will be interested. Sort it out FIFA!!
— James Morris (@imdjboj) January 15, 2017
I would complain about the Matip thing but it's not going to help is it…
— Harry ͛⚯ (@RealSlimSheyi) January 15, 2017
What do you make of the decision? Can Liverpool still win without Matip?
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