Liverpool conceded a controversial opener against Nottingham Forest
Liverpool conceded a controversial opener against Nottingham Forest
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has explained why Nottingham Forest's first goal against Liverpool was right to stand. Arne Slot's side, despite dominating the first half, found themselves a goals behind with Murillo on target.
There were complaints that Dan Ndoye was offside for the former's strike, but Dean has explained why it was right to be given.
He said on Sky Sports: "What happened the other week [Virgil van Dijk disallowed goal vs Man City] where they gave an incorrect decision. This for me, is a goal, it goes round the attacker on the right hand side, he's got a clear view."
On the decision, the Match Centre on X wrote: " – 33’ The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Ndoye was not in the line of vision of Allison and did not make an action that impacted an opponent.
Forest thought they had grabbed a second through Igor Jesus but VAR intervened and ruled out the goal. Dean was of the belief the officials got that call wrong.
He said: "To overturn, it has to be clear and obvious. and there is no evidence to say otherwise. I think it is harsh. I have to back the decision on-field."
Given the controversies surrounding what Forest thought was their second strike, the Premier League Match Centre issued another update.
It read: " – 35’ The referee’s call of no goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Jesus accidentally handled the ball before scoring."
Michael Dawson agreed with Dean that Jesus' strike should have counted while Ashley Williams and Martin Keown were left bemused by the final call.
(Image: (Photo by Matt West/Shutterstock))
Keown said: "It looks like the ball came up and hit Jesus on his ribcage. Surely VAR have seen something to chalk it off. I can't see the hand."
Williams added: "I'm seeing two angles of the goal and on neither angle can I see the where it touches the arm at all. It his Jesus between the chest and the stomach. That goal should stand."
Another defeat for Liverpool will come as a major concern for Slot given how the last few weeks have transpired. Prior to the November international break, they were beaten by Manchester City with it clear problems remained despite wins and clean sheets over Real Madrid and Aston Villa.
The Premier League champions have already lost to Crystal Palace (x2), Brentford, Chelsea, Galatasaray and Manchester United.
Injuries have not helped matters with Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz the latest to suffer blows. Alexander Isak has returned though and was not in the starting XI to face Forest.
Alisson was also back between the sticks after two months out with a hamstring issue but he could not do much to stop Murillo's powerful strike.