Rooney labels Gravenberch 'stupid' as Liverpool close in on Ngumoha contract extension

Wayne Rooney has called out Ryan Gravenberch for a ‘stupid’ piece of play that led to his red card in Liverpool’s Premier League defeat to Manchester City, while the club are closing in on a contract extension for teenage winger Rio Ngumoha.

Gravenberch was dismissed at the Etihad after collecting two yellow cards, and while many pundits defended the Dutch midfielder over the first booking, Rooney was less forgiving about the second. Speaking on Match of the Day, the former England captain argued that Gravenberch should have been more disciplined after already being cautioned.

“I think the first yellow card is harsh,” Rooney said. “He’s obviously gone for the ball, it’s a poor touch by Elliot Anderson, and then he just nicks it and Gravenberch catches him on the top of his foot and then he goes down. So it’s probably not a yellow card. But for me, the second one, when you’ve been booked and you’re on a yellow card then you leave yourself in a position where you can get a second yellow card and sent off. It’s a bit naive and stupid for that second yellow card.”

Despite the red card, Gravenberch will be available for Liverpool’s Champions League trip to face LASK in Austria, with his suspension applying only to domestic competition. Manager Andoni Iraola oversaw a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in his first European game in charge, and the Reds will be looking to build on that result.

Several players remain sidelined through injury ahead of the Austrian fixture, with Alexander Isak among those considered doubtful for the trip.

Off the pitch, Liverpool are not concerned about any complications surrounding a new contract for 18-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, according to reports from TeamTalk. Both Arsenal and Bayern Munich have been linked with moves for the England youth international, but the club are said to be confident of retaining him. Ngumoha initially signed a deal running until 2028 when he turned 17, and Liverpool are now understood to be ironing out final minor details on an extended agreement before making an official announcement.