The flashpoint came in the second half amid a tense, low-scoring affair at the City Ground. Liverpool were pushing for the breakthrough when Mohamed Salah (or a key attacker in buildup plays) burst into the box and appeared to be clipped or impeded by a Forest defender in a challenge that sent him tumbling. Replays showed clear contact—potentially a trip or tug—inside the penalty area, with Liverpool players and the bench erupting in appeals for a spot-kick.
Referee Anthony Taylor waved play on immediately, signaling no foul, and VAR official Paul Tierney reviewed the incident but upheld the on-field decision—deeming it not a “clear and obvious error.” No penalty was awarded, allowing Forest to clear and keep the game goalless at that stage. The non-call drew immediate backlash online, with Liverpool supporters branding it “criminal” and “robbery,” especially given the high stakes in their top-four push.
Social media exploded: “VAR disgrace again—how is that not a pen? 😡,” “Liverpool robbed in broad daylight at Forest,” and “Same old story: decisions go against us when it matters.” Many pointed to the contact as reckless or deliberate, arguing it met penalty criteria under current laws, and accused officials of inconsistency—particularly after recent high-profile debates in other matches.
The game itself delivered late drama: Liverpool thought they’d won it in the 89th minute when Alexis Mac Allister charged down Ola Aina’s clearance, with the ball rebounding off him into the net—but VAR spotted accidental handball (hitting his elbow) and chalked it off. Undeterred, Mac Allister pounced on a rebound from Virgil van Dijk’s header save in the 97th minute, firing home the winner. A subsequent VAR check for offside (involving potential positioning) survived, securing three crucial points and moving Liverpool level on points with top-four rivals.
Post-match, Mac Allister addressed the disallowed goal bluntly: “It hit my back and my elbow. I understand the rule but if you understand football, that goal should have stood.” Manager Arne Slot echoed frustration over the lengthy checks but praised the resilience.
Yet for many fans, the earlier non-penalty overshadowed the victory—fueling narratives of “Liverpool robbed again” despite the result. The incident adds to a season of VAR grievances, with calls for Howard Webb and PGMOL to explain perceived inconsistencies.
Forest, under new boss Vitor Pereira, fought valiantly and will feel aggrieved by the late collapse, now slipping closer to the drop zone. Liverpool celebrate the points, but the penalty controversy ensures this City Ground thriller remains a heated talking point. Fair officiating? Not in the eyes of Reds supporters today. 😤⚽
