Liverpool's Pre-Season Friendly Ends in Injury Apology

LFCTV were forced to apologise live on air after accidentally broadcasting a gruesome injury to a Como defender during Liverpool’s pre-season friendly on Sunday.

The Reds faced the Italian side, coached by Cesc Fabregas, twice in one day – a behind-closed-doors run-out at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby followed by a more high-profile meeting at Anfield in front of supporters.

Horror replay sparks on-air apology

The first game, shortened to 70 minutes, finished 0-0 and was largely uneventful on the scoreboard. On the pitch, though, one moment made viewers wince.

Alberto Dossena went up for an aerial challenge with James McConnell and Will Wright, landed awkwardly and immediately stayed down. Cameras zoomed in. The replay showed his finger clearly dislocated.

Lead LFCTV commentator John Bradley reacted instantly.

"That's a nasty landing. We might need a little stoppage here to get the medical team on. Well yes there you go, he's dislocated his finger," he said, as the pictures rolled. Co-commentator Natashia Dowie could only respond: "Woah that's not nice."

The close-up proved too much for some watching at home. The channel quickly rowed back.

Commentator Hunter added an apology to viewers: "Apologies if you are just trying to have your lunch or if you're in, who knows, San Diego having a very early breakfast. Sometimes you just see things that make you squirm."

Play paused while Dossena received treatment and had the injury bandaged. Remarkably, the 27-year-old centre-back stayed on and completed the remaining six minutes.

Mixed day, useful minutes

The contest itself at Kirkby was a cagey, chance-light affair. Alexis Mac Allister, Federico Chiesa, Kostas Tsimikas and Victor Munoz all started for Liverpool in a side blended with youth and experience.

There were at least a couple of bright spots for Andoni Iraola. Summer arrival Munoz caught the eye with his energy, while young midfielder Trey Nyoni again used the stage to press his case for more minutes as the season nears.

The second fixture of the day brought a stronger Liverpool XI and a more familiar feel. Iraola named captain Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defence and handed new signing Jeremy Jacquet his first outing of pre-season alongside him.

Recent loan recruit Ronald Araujo was held back on the bench, joined by Lewis Koumas, Munoz, Nyoni, Wright and Mor Talla Ndiaye, all of whom had already featured in the earlier game.

Iraola eyes intensity before Premier League kick-off

Speaking before the Como double-header, Iraola had made it clear what he wanted from these final tune-ups.

"This will be a very good, and very important, test for us as we finalise our preparations for the new Premier League season," he said.

He pointed back to the previous weekend’s meeting with Monaco as a template and a warning.

"Despite the result, last weekend's game against Monaco brought plenty of positives and plenty of learnings for myself and my staff.

"The first half, and the first 30 minutes in particular, was very pleasing. It was good to see Alexander Isak getting on the scoresheet and looking sharp, and I saw a lot of good things both with and without the ball.

"The problem we had, as we had against Leeds in Chicago, was that we were not able to sustain our levels and that is something that can only happen with time, and with a lot of hard work on the training ground."

That theme of intensity ran through every line.

"I have spoken many times about the type of team I want to see on the pitch, about the intensity, the intent and the energy we are looking for, and while it is clear that there is still a lot of improvement to come, I believe that we are moving in the right direction and I expect that to continue in the coming days and weeks as the season gets under way."

One boost has already arrived. Alexis Mac Allister returned to the AXA Training Centre on Monday, meaning Iraola finally has his full group back after World Cup commitments.

"With Alexis Mac Allister having returned to the AXA Training Centre on Monday, we now have all of our players back after the World Cup, which is of course hugely beneficial.

"There is no doubt in my mind about the quality and the potential we have within our squad, and now it is up to us to show that on a consistent basis going forward."

The finger injury will be remembered for the grimace it drew from players, commentators and fans alike. For Iraola, the only lasting image he wants from these friendlies is a team ready to run, press and sustain their levels when the Premier League whistle blows for real.