Alexis Mac Allister’s ruled-out goal in Liverpool F.C.’s 1–0 win over Nottingham Forest has sparked serious debate. Softfootball gathered that Mac Allister found the net around the 88th minute, only for VAR to intervene. After a lengthy review, the goal was disallowed for handball, a decision that left many surprised inside the stadium.
Replays showed that the ball was struck toward him by Ola Aina and appeared to hit the upper part of Mac Allister’s arm rather than the lower arm or hand. The contact looked accidental, and there was visible confusion as VAR scrutinised the incident before eventually ruling the goal out.
In recent seasons, similar incidents have sometimes been allowed to stand, especially when the ball makes contact with the upper arm in a natural position. That inconsistency is what has fueled the controversy surrounding this decision.
Had Liverpool failed to win the match, manager Arne Slot might have strongly criticised both VAR and the referee. However, the drama did not end there.
Mac Allister responded in style, scoring the decisive winner in the 90+8 minute to secure all three points for Liverpool ensuring the VAR controversy did not ultimately cost his team.
