Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has defended the officiating in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, dismissing claims of corruption following two controversial VAR decisions.
Dermot Gallagher has backed the decision to disallow Alexis Mac Allister’s initial effort for handball, despite former Liverpool striker John Aldridge branding the call “corrupt.”
Gallagher explained that the current laws leave no room for interpretation when the ball enters the net off an arm.
He told Sky Sports: “It [the law] was [correctly applied]… the minute the VAR sees that it’s going to be handball.”
Gallagher also addressed frustrations regarding Liverpool’s winning goal, which came deep into stoppage time.
He argued the extended time was a “justifiable extension” due to earlier VAR delays.
Regarding Forest’s offside complaints, he praised the officials’ technical handling of the phase, noting: “I actually think it’s better now… it’s the most technical law of all, isn’t it, offside?”