Liverpool fans are in absolute meltdown after PGMOL and VAR officials reportedly admitted the Alexis Mac Allister “goal” disallowed late in Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win at Nottingham Forest on February 22, 2026, was NOT a handball—yet the decision stood, leaving Reds supporters claiming a complete system failure and outright robbery.
The chaos unfolded in the 89th minute at the City Ground with the score still 0-0. Forest’s Ola Aina attempted a clearance under pressure, but the ball deflected off Mac Allister (back turned, arm close to body) and looped past goalkeeper Stefan Ortega into the net. Referee Anthony Taylor initially awarded the goal, sparking wild celebrations among the traveling supporters.
VAR official Paul Tierney reviewed it and overturned the call, ruling accidental handball because the ball struck Mac Allister’s elbow (below sleeve line) before entering the goal—direct involvement meant no intent needed under strict Premier League handball rules. The goal was chalked off for a free-kick to Forest.
Post-match, amid growing backlash and fan demands for clarity, officials conceded a huge human error in the application: sources and refereeing breakdowns (including Premier League Match Centre explanations) acknowledged the deflection was incidental and not a deliberate handling offense, with many arguing it shouldn’t have met the “clear and obvious” threshold to overturn the on-field decision. Mac Allister himself called it “a bit harsh” in interviews, noting it hit his back as well: “I understand the rules but if you understand football, that goal should have stood.”
The admission only fueled fury—supporters blasted how VAR, meant to correct mistakes, created one instead: “VAR admits it wasn’t handball AFTER ruining the moment? Robbed! 😤,” “System failure—how does tech get this wrong?” and “PGMOL under fire again: transparency now!” Social media erupted with replays showing the arm position as natural (no unnatural silhouette), insisting the goal was legitimate and the overturn a travesty that nearly cost Liverpool the points.
Ironically, the drama intensified seconds later: in the 97th minute (added time extended partly due to the VAR delay), Mac Allister redeemed himself by smashing home the winner from a rebound off Virgil van Dijk‘s header (saved by Ortega). A final offside check survived (Aina’s boot played van Dijk on), securing three massive points in the top-four race despite the earlier frustration.
Manager Arne Slot praised the fightback but the disallowed effort dominated headlines. Fans argue the “system error” forced Liverpool to “do it the hard way again,” questioning PGMOL’s consistency and basic competence. With Howard Webb already under scrutiny this season, this latest confession intensifies calls for accountability—how can such a “shocking” mistake stand when even officials admit it was wrong?
Liverpool got the win, but the sense of injustice lingers: another VAR chapter where technology promised fairness but delivered controversy. Enough is enough—fans demand real change before more points slip away.
