The incident unfolded in the 89th minute with the score still 0-0 at the City Ground. Forest defender Ola Aina attempted a clearance under pressure, but the ball cannoned off Mac Allister and looped into the net past goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. Initial celebrations erupted as referee Anthony Taylor awarded the goal, but VAR official Paul Tierney intervened for a review. Replays showed the ball striking Mac Allister’s elbow (below the sleeve line) in what was deemed an accidental handball. Because the ball went directly into the goal off the handling offense, the strike was disallowed under current Premier League handball protocols—no intent required in such direct scoring scenarios.
The decision split opinion instantly: Liverpool players protested vehemently, with Mac Allister later telling BBC Sport: “It hit my back and my elbow. I understand the rule but if you understand football, that goal should have stood.” Many fans and pundits agreed it felt harsh—accidental deflection in a chaotic moment, no deliberate advantage gained—while others noted the strict application of the law was correct.
Social media exploded with outrage: “How did VAR come to that decision? Robbed again! 😡,” “VAR killing the game—accidental elbow, no intent, should stand,” and “Liverpool forced to do it the hard way… again.” Accusations flew of poor officiating and inconsistency, especially after the same VAR team had been involved in earlier debates this season. The call nearly cost Liverpool dearly in a tense, low-scoring affair dominated by defensive resilience from both sides.
Ironically, the controversy only heightened the drama moments later. In the 97th minute, Mac Allister made amends by pouncing on a spilled header from Virgil van Dijk (saved by Ortega) to sidefoot home the winner from close range. A lengthy VAR check for offside (deeming Aina’s boot played van Dijk on) survived, allowing the goal to stand and securing three massive points for Arne Slot’s side in their top-four push.
Mac Allister, speaking post-match, kept it light: “I told Hugo it would be a goal and one or two minutes later, it was. I’m very glad it was me.” Manager Slot praised the resilience but the disallowed effort dominated headlines and fan discussions.
Forest, under boss Vítor Pereira, will rue a valiant performance undone late—now deeper in relegation trouble—while Liverpool celebrate the win despite the frustration. For Reds fans, it’s another chapter in the ongoing VAR saga: a tight call that “should have stood” forced extra drama, but ultimately justice (or luck) prevailed. The question lingers—how many more “how did VAR get that wrong?” moments before real change?
