- Liverpool to appeal red card
- Klopp claims dismissal was “harsh”
- Early season controversies with VAR continue
Liverpool are set to contest Alexis Mac Allister’s red card following their 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old Argentine midfielder is facing a three-game suspension for a challenge in which he caught Ryan Christie’s foot during the 58th minute at Anfield on Saturday.
VAR slammed
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expressed his belief that the red card was “harsh” and stated that his team had already suffered enough due to the dismissal.
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker criticised the decision on social media, describing it as “nonsense.”
During the first half of the match, Liverpool were awarded a contentious penalty after Joe Rothwell was judged to have fouled Dominik Szoboszlai.
Both decisions were made by referee Thomas Bramall without intervention from the video assistant referee (VAR).
Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer for Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), indicated recently that officials aim to minimise interference in the game.
In the opening weekend of the Premier League, Webb personally contacted Wolves to apologise after they were not given a late penalty against Manchester United when Andre Onana collided with Sasa Kalajdzic.
Following that decision, the three officials at the centre of the controversy – referee Simon Hooper, VAR Michael Salisbury, and assistant VAR Richard West – were not assigned to officiate in the subsequent round of fixtures.
Mac Allister awaits appeal
Should the appeal be successful Mac Allister will be available to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Bettors looking to have a punt on this game, and Liverpool’s subsequent two matches, will need to monitor the outcome and decide if Mac Allister’s absence or potential availability affects their selections.
