Dalglish in disagreement but refuses to directly criticise ref

The Reds lost 1-0 to the Potters on Saturday, with the only goal of the game coming from a contentious penalty award after Jamie Carragher was adjudged to have fouled Jon Walters.

Walters picked himself up to rifle home the spot-kick, and Liverpool were subsequently denied at least one legitimate penalty appeal when Matthew Upson appeared to handle a Luis Suarez cross.

The outcome left Reds boss Dalglish a frustrated figure, and he hinted he may not be able to abide by the Football Association's 'Respect the Referee' campaign much longer if inconsistencies continue.

"No one here wants to see this club suffer. I'm not taking anything away from Stoke City, but I think some of the decisions that were made today were hard to take."
Kenny Dalglish Quotes of the week

"For us, we do feel a bit frustrated about a lot of things that happened that were out of our control," the Scot told Sky Sports.

"In the four games we've played in the league, every single one of them has had a contentious decision and I don't think you'll find we've been of benefit.

"We find it hard to take and we're trying our best to be respectful to the campaign that we have, but if the club's going to suffer in any way, shape or form because I'm being too respectful by not standing up for the football club, then I've got to address that.

"No one here wants to see this club suffer. I'm not taking anything away from Stoke City, but I think some of the decisions that were made today were hard to take."

Despite the club's first defeat of the season, Dalglish was pleased with his side's effort as they bombarded Stoke's goal with wave after wave of attack, but without finding a way through.

"It's disappointing that the lads have nothing to show for it but you cannot fault them for the standard of their performance," he said.

"We were in control of our own destiny apart from actually scoring the goal. We did most things right, but sometimes things that are out of your control dictate games and I think today was one of those.

"Stoke is a difficult place to come and play anyway. They're all very well organised and Tony [Pulis] has them playing for the cause, which is fantastic."