Alexis Mac Allister was at the centre of the drama as Liverpool snatched a last-gasp winner at Nottingham Forest during Sunday's Premier League clash. The Argentine was involved in lengthy VAR checks not once, but twice in the dying moments of the game.
Arne Slot's side struggled to make their mark at The City Ground as Vitor Pereira got the hosts playing with a lot of intensity during his first league match in charge. However, Mac Allister snatched all three points by firing home from close range in the 97th minute.
The goal was eventually awarded after a potential offside offence by Virgil van Dijk was scrutinised and cleared. However, Mac Allister thought he'd won the game moments earlier when Ola Aina fired the ball off the midfielder and into the net. That effort was ruled out as the ball was judged to have struck his elbow.
Keith Hackett Slams Premier League Rules After Liverpool Drama
Ola Aina and Alexis Mac Allister
Former head of the PGMOL, Keith Hackett, expressed his frustration at one of the Mac Allister incidents to Football Insider. The retired FIFA referee explained that by the letter of the law, the officials got the handball decision correct.
He said: "In that situation, the law is clear that if the ball strikes the arm and goes into the net, accidentally or intentionally, that goal cannot stand. It’s the correct decision in law."
Watch the incident:
While any contact with the arm that directly results in a goal is seen as a foul in the rule book, Hackett explained he's not a fan of the handball regulations. The 81-year-old added:
"It does say ‘accidental’, but that’s why I’m critical of the handball law. You get the deflection off the body onto the arm as not handball, but in this situation, coming off the elbow into the net, it’s ruled out.
"If VAR wasn’t there, that goal would have been allowed. VAR is forensically analysing these things, and the lawmakers are trying to give greater clarity without understanding the game. You don’t want a goal like this ruled out."
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So Hackett wasn't pleased to see Mac Allister's goal chalked off. He went on to explain that he believes the 'ridiculous' handball law is the problem. He said: "The handball law is the problem, not the referee or VAR. This is the law, and it’s the ridiculous part of not being able to score a goal, even if it’s accidental handball."
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Alexis Mac Allister and Federico Chiesa
The Reds came extremely close to failing to capitalise on Chelsea dropping points against Burnley the day before. Liverpool are competing with the west Londoners and fierce rivals Manchester United for the remaining Champions League places.
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They headed into the gameweek two points behind Liam Rosenior's side but have now pulled level following the late winner at Forest. That chance appeared to fade after the handball decision, only for Mac Allister, whose performance was heavily criticised, to smash the ball home.