The Premier League has clarified why referee Michael Oliver did not halt play in the buildup to Manchester United’s opening goal against Liverpool on Sunday.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister went down clutching his head after being accidentally elbowed by teammate Virgil van Dijk while challenging Bryan Mbeumo for an aerial ball. Moments later, Mbeumo capitalised on the situation to put United ahead inside two minutes at Anfield, despite protests from the Liverpool players.
Although referees are generally expected to stop play immediately for potential head injuries, the Premier League Match Centre told Sky Sports that in this case, Oliver did not see the incident.
The explanation, however, did not sit well with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who criticised the decision on Sky Sports:
“He was on the floor holding his head… Arne Slot is not happy with what happened with Mac Allister. I’m surprised Michael Oliver hasn’t pulled that back for a head injury.”
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock also voiced his frustration on BBC Radio 5 Live, saying:
“There’s a bit of contention about this goal among the Liverpool fans. Going back to the head injury that Mac Allister received — it was from an elbow by Van Dijk, his own player. That doesn’t matter, play should still be stopped for a head injury. Manchester United won’t care.”
The goal ultimately stood, setting the tone for a 2-1 victory for Manchester United over their arch-rivals.
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