Alexis Mac Allister scored two stoppage-time goals for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest with only one of those counting despite VAR reviews for both
16:48, 22 Feb 2026Updated 16:48, 22 Feb 2026
The Premier League Match Centre issued a post on social media after Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool VAR drama
View 2 Images
The Premier League Match Centre issued a post on social media after Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool VAR drama(Image: (Photo by Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images))
Nottingham Forest were handed an immediate VAR verdict after Alexis Mac Allister had a late strike ruled out. Despite that, Forest were still brutally denied a point, with the Liverpool star on target legally moments later.
Prior to his legitimate winner, Rio Ngumoha's cross caused chaos with Stefan Ortega initially denying Hugo Ekitike before Mac Allister blocked Ola Aina's clearance into the net.
What looked to be a late winner prompted Liverpool players to celebrate wildly given the circumstances. However, the jubilation proved fleeting in the away section of the City Ground, as VAR stepped in to examine the sequence of play more closely.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Get all the Nottingham Forest latest via our Facebook page
Following that review, match officials determined that the ball had in fact made contact with Mac Allister's arm before crossing the line, disallowing what appeared to be a dramatic late winner.
Providing clarification on X, the Premier League Match Centre posted: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Liverpool.
"Referee announcement: 'After review, the ball hits the arm of the goalscorer, Liverpool No. 10. Therefore, it's an accidental handball by the goal scorer, so the final decision is a direct free kick."
Further controversy followed eight minutes later, when Mac Allister found the net again, but this time VAR did not rule it out. Dominik Szoboszlai whipped the ball into Forest's box, where Virgil van Dijk connected at the far post.
Murillo defiantly blocked his header, but Mac Allister was in the right place at the right time to latch onto the loose ball and slam home.
Murillo reacts after Liverpool goal vs Nottingham Forest
View 2 Images
Murillo denied Virgil van Dijk with a last-ditch block before Alexis Mac Allister scored(Image: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock)
Having seen his side just narrowly avoid losing, Vitor Pereira was understandably irate when Mac Allister scored again.
Further reprieve looked possible as VAR examined whether Van Dijk had been in an offside position in the lead-up to the goal. Following a brief review, however, officials ruled that the Liverpool captain had been played onside by Aina, who was behind Van Dijk, much to the frustration of the Forest camp.
The final whistle sounded shortly afterwards, as Liverpool claimed a narrow 1-0 victory after stoppage time. Reflecting on the controversy with Sky Sports post-match, Mac Allister described the decision to disallow his first effort as "very harsh."
Help us stay visible by adding us as*a Preferred Source *in your search settings
He said: "It hit my back as well. I understand the rules but it's football, it's very harsh."
Article continues below
Discussing his decisive winner, the Argentine added: "I knew I would get another one. Before the throw-in, I told Hugo it would be our situation. But I had another opportunity and I am glad it went in."
The victory leaves Liverpool sixth in the Premier League table with 11 games remaining, firmly on the cusp of Champions League qualification for 2026/27. Forest's situation, however, is considerably more troubling, with the club languishing in 17th place in the table, a mere two points above the relegation zone.