Anfield was at the center of a major refereeing controversy as Liverpool suffered a 2–1 defeat to Manchester United, with a critical refereeing decision – or lack thereof – sparking widespread outrage. The incident in question involved midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who appeared to be on the receiving end of a dangerous head challenge in the build-up to United’s opening goal.
Despite clear replays showing significant contact on Mac Allister, neither the on-field referee nor the VAR officials intervened. The challenge went unpunished, and within seconds, Manchester United launched a counterattack that culminated in the first goal of the match. The decision to let play continue has ignited fury among Liverpool fans and players alike, who believe the match was unfairly tilted from that moment forward.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and several of his players visibly protested the non-call, arguing that the game should have been halted for a foul — or at the very least, reviewed by VAR. The appeals were dismissed, and the goal stood, shifting the momentum firmly in United’s favor.
In the aftermath, fans took to social media in droves, accusing officials of gross negligence and demanding an investigation into the incident. Many supporters labeled the moment a “robbery in broad daylight,” expressing disbelief that such a clear foul could be overlooked at the highest level of the game.
This incident adds to the growing criticism of VAR’s consistency and transparency in the Premier League, with calls intensifying for reform or at least more accountability from match officials. As the fallout continues, it’s clear that the controversy at Anfield will be remembered not just for the result, but for the officiating decisions that shaped it.
