Outrage is boiling over among Liverpool fans after officials conceded a massive human error in disallowing Alexis Mac Allister‘s late “goal” during Sunday’s dramatic 1-0 Premier League win at Nottingham Forest on February 22, 2026—confirming what supporters had been shouting from the first replay.
The incident happened in the 89th minute with the score locked at 0-0 at the City Ground. Forest defender Ola Aina attempted a clearance under pressure, but the ball ricocheted off Mac Allister (who had his back turned) and looped past goalkeeper Stefan Ortega into the net. Initial celebrations erupted as referee Anthony Taylor awarded the goal, sending the 3,000 traveling Reds wild.
However, after a lengthy VAR review by Paul Tierney, the decision was overturned for handball. Replays clearly showed the ball striking Mac Allister’s elbow (below the sleeve line) in an accidental deflection during the chaotic sequence. The Premier League Match Centre later explained via official channels: “After review, the ball hits the arm of the goal scorer, Liverpool No. 10. Therefore, it’s an accidental handball by the goal scorer, so the final decision is a direct free kick.”
Post-match, PGMOL sources and refereeing breakdowns admitted the call involved a huge human error—officials acknowledged that while the handball law was strictly applied (no intent needed for direct goal involvement), the intervention threshold was mishandled. Many argued it wasn’t “clear and obvious” enough to overturn the on-field goal, especially given the accidental nature and lack of deliberate advantage. Mac Allister himself told BBC Sport: “It hit my back and my elbow. I understand the rule but if you understand football, that goal should have stood.”
The blunder sparked instant fury inside the stadium—Liverpool players surrounded officials in disbelief—and sent social media into meltdown. Fans accused VAR of robbing the Reds yet again: “How is that disallowed? Human error admitted AFTER the fact? 😤,” “VAR killing football—accidental deflection, no intent, should stand,” and “Consistency? What consistency? PGMOL under the spotlight again 🔥.” Hashtags like #VARRobbery and #AdmitTheError trended, with neutrals joining in on calls for better transparency and accountability.
Ironically, the controversy fueled the drama: just minutes later in the 97th minute, Mac Allister made amends by pouncing on a spilled header from Virgil van Dijk (saved by Ortega) to smash home the winner from close range. Another VAR check (for potential offside on van Dijk) survived, securing three vital points in Liverpool’s top-four chase.
Manager Arne Slot praised the resilience but highlighted the frustration: “We scored twice and I would not have been shocked if both goals were ruled out but maybe our luck is turning.” The win was hard-earned after a lackluster performance, but the admitted error ensures the focus remains on officiating woes.
With Howard Webb and PGMOL already facing scrutiny this season, this latest admission intensifies demands for reform—why do such “huge human errors” keep happening, and why only after the damage is done? Liverpool got the points, but the debate over VAR competence, consistency, and basic fairness rages on louder than ever.
