Alexis Mac Allister was sent off on his home Liverpool debut, after a tackle on Ryan Christie, in what many felt was a harsh red card in the game against Bournemouth.
However, VAR officials identified two reasons for sticking to the on-field decision of the referee.
The on-field referee, Thomas Bramall sent the Argentine off in the 58th minute after his tackle on Christie, bringing the player down.
Moreover, this decision of the on-field referee was later justified by the VAR officials.
Why Mac Allister received a Red card- The VAR Justification
A VAR check did take place to ensure this was the correct decision. But it was determined that there was no clear and obvious error made by the referee on-field.
However, the fact that the Argentine’s studs were showing and there was a high point of contact by the player, justifies a red card.
Moreover, the VAR officials have had trouble with the Reds’ boss and players alike. Paul Tierney has clashed a number of times with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in the past.
Also, Constantine Hatzidakis had an exchange with Andy Robertson last season.
Liverpool however, were leading 2-1 at the time of the sending-off. Goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah canceled out Antoine Semenyo’s opener for the visitors.
Moreover, new signing Waturu Endo was immediately called from the substitute bench after Mac Allister left the field. The Japan international replaced Cody Gakpo for his Liverpool debut.
However, many fans are not convinced with the decision and have lashed at the PL officials for the same.
‘We’ve seen harsher tackles challenges that weren’t red’ – Jurgen Klopp
On a potential appeal for the player’s red card, Klopp said:
“Let’s see what we can do, for sure we will try and talk to the people about it.
We have to talk about it and everyone agrees. I 100 per cent understand how it looks for the ref in that moment but when you see it back, it’s the inside of the foot with no power in it.
We’ve seen harsher challenges that weren’t red cards that should’ve been. I think we should talk about it. If he said it was a yellow, the VAR wouldn’t have upgraded to a red card.
We’ve seen harsher challenges that weren’t red cards that should’ve been. I think we should talk about it. If he said it was a yellow, the VAR wouldn’t have upgraded to a red card.“
I’m a football enthusiast and an avid writer and someone who lives by the Bill Shankly quote, on a day to day basis.
