[Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett](https://www.footballinsider247.com/author/keith-hackett)
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the two players showed a lack of respect for each other at Anfield.
In the 78th minute on Sunday, 1 November, there was finally a flashpoint caused by Mac Allister tapping Martin Odegaard on the back of the head.
Replays showed very minimal contact, if any at all, between the two players, with Andy Madley dishing out a yellow card to Mac Allister.
With Madueke already on a yellow card, home fans wanted the winger sent off for his role in the melee, but both players stayed on the pitch.
Noni Madueke was never going to be sent off
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett fired shots at both players involved, stating the entire situation was ugly and damaging to the Premier League.
"I just wish there would be more respect from players to their opponents. There's certainly not sufficient force to result in Mac Allister dropping to the ground as though he's been shot," he said.
"And I think that's the dilemma for the referee. This type of nonsense has no place at the top level. And I support the referee. I don't think it's a red card.
"I don't think it's worthy of a red card, and neither is it worth a player going in with his head, running that risk and a player dropping to the ground.
"I think it's tarnishing the image of the Premier League. It's not what we want to see."
Alexis Mac Allister is beginning to earn a reputation
At the end of the day, it was a horrendous attempt from Mac Allister to get his opponent sent off, and deservedly, he was the one punished.
This isn't the first time that the midfielder has been accused of cheating either, having conned the referee into awarding a penalty against Brentford.
The spot-kick was overturned, but Mac Allister avoided punishment. Hackett also blasted him for his dive against Fulham last month.
He was involved in controversy against Atletico Madrid, and at the end of last season, Mac Allister's play-acting was on full show at Villa Park as well.
For such a talented player, he does like to throw himself to the ground, rather than finish off a flowing move.