Dermot Gallagher praises assistant in Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur game

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has claimed that assistant Eddie Smart has "covered himself in glory" for his performance in Sunday's clash between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

After the 2-2 draw at Anfield, Smart was criticised by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who felt that the assistant 'wanted attention' after making two calls against the Merseyside giants during the closing stages.

Smart decided that Spurs forward Harry Kane was onside before winning a penalty for his side, despite beginning two phases of play behind the Liverpool defence and in close proximity to defender Dejan Lovren, who helped the ball into his path.

In the final seconds, Smart opted to flag for a foul by Virgil van Dijk on Erik Lamela inside the penalty area, an incident which was not witnessed by referee Jon Moss.

However, Gallagher has insisted that Smart got both decisions "spot on", saying that the assistant applied the rules correctly before Kane earned a spot kick.

Gallagher told Sky Sports News: "This guy has covered himself in glory today, if I am honest, because the referee can't see it. Eddie Smart has got the perfect line across and seen the connection with Lamela.

"I think it was the correct call. It was a tough few minutes and he has come out with a lot of glory because they are two big, big decisions and he has got them spot on."

After the match, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed that he had congratulated Moss and Smart for their performances on Merseyside.