Manchester United’s early goal against Liverpool sparked fury as Alexis Mac Allister was down with a head injury in the build-up, leaving manager Arne Slot incensed on the touchline.
Manchester United’s opening goal against Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League clash has been officially explained, clarifying why referee Michael Oliver chose not to halt play despite a visible head injury to Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Bryan Mbeumo struck after just 62 seconds, capitalizing on a quick break while Mac Allister was sprawled on the Anfield turf, having been accidentally caught by a Virgil van Dijk elbow.
The failure to stop the game drew immediate and furious protests from Liverpool players and manager Arne Slot.
However, official communications from the Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision was one of awareness, not deliberate negligence of safety protocol.
Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury relayed the reason, stating: “What we are getting from the match centre is that the referee didn’t see the injury and was therefore obviously not able to stop the game.”
The laws of the game mandate that play is only stopped for a head injury if the referee believes a player is seriously injured or receives a blow to the head.
Jamie Carragher, speaking on co-commentary, expressed his surprise, adding: “He was on the floor holding his head!” Mac Allister later continued the match wearing protective headgear.