Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister 10 during the Manchester United v Liverpool Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 3 May 2026
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister 10 during the Manchester United v Liverpool Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 3 May 2026
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that it wasn't a penalty, nor was it an act of simulation.
Mac Allister was at the centre of controversy in the first half at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, 17 October, after a sliding challenge from Dango Ouattara.
Referee John Brooks pointed to the spot without hesitation, but after a VAR review of the incident, it was overturned, sparking suggestions of a dive.
Moments later Keane Lewis-Potter would give the Bees the lead, only for Yehor Yarmoliuk's red card to turn the game completely on its head.
Before goals from Victor Munoz and Alexander Isak, though, Mac Allister picked up a caution for dissent. Should that have been his second yellow?
Alexis Mac Allister right to escape punishment vs Brentford
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett does not believe that the overturned penalty decision was worthy of a yellow card, simply seeing it as a footballing incident.
"They're right not to award the penalty kick. I can actually understand fully why the referee gave it because part of the bodies are covered," he said.
"I've seen worse cases of acts of simulation that have gone unpunished. I think this one is being caught, but it's borderline. Sorry, I'm bit indecisive.
"I wouldn't expect a yellow card for an act of simulation here. And the reason being there's doubt. I don't think that player has actually attempted to simulate.
"It's football. I think he's tried to avoid the challenge. Usually when you see an act of simulation, there's almost a movement like a dolphin rather than a horizontal fall."
Liverpool's No.10 is getting a reputation
While a yellow card likely would have been harsh for Mac Allister, it wouldn't be the first time that he's attempted to con the referee.
Hackett blasted the Argentine midfielder for trying to buy a penalty against Fulham last month, with the same being said at the end of last season at Villa Park.
Nobody wants to create a reputation, one which might cause referees to view a player differently, but it is entirely possible that it is happening.
Fortunately for Liverpool, this is not an incident where Mac Allister picked up a booking, but another referee could have seen it differently.