Liverpool were dealt an early setback at Anfield as Manchester United opened the scoring just 63 seconds into the match – but the goal was overshadowed by a head injury to Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up.
Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead inside two minutes, racing onto Amad Diallo’s through ball before finishing calmly past Giorgi Mamardashvili.
However, Liverpool players and staff were left frustrated that play continued after Mac Allister went down following an aerial collision.
The Argentine midfielder appeared to be caught accidentally by Virgil van Dijk’s elbow while challenging alongside Mbeumo, remaining on the ground clutching his head as United broke forward.
As Mac Allister received treatment, Liverpool manager Arne Slot was seen in discussion with the fourth official, questioning the decision not to stop play.
Under current guidelines, play can be halted for potential head injuries, but referee Michael Oliver allowed the move to continue, and it turns out this was because he had not seen the incident.
Liverpool were dealt an early setback at Anfield as Manchester United opened the scoring just 63 seconds into the match – but the goal by a head injury to Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was seen in discussion with the fourth official after play continued
Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury explained: ‘The information we’re getting from the PGMOL is the referee didn’t see the injury so therefore the referee couldn’t stop the game.’
Had Oliver seen the incident, he could have paused the game and, as a result, prevented Mbeumo’s goal.
Liverpool fans were quick to voice their frustration on social media following the decision.
One fan wrote: ‘Game should have been stopped for head injury. The always questionable, Michael Oliver not applying the rules correctly. Mac Allister clearly injured, holding his head. A dangerous decision. Not good for PGMOL. What came after irrelevant.’
Another said: ‘Ref “didn’t see” the fact Mac Allister had a head injury despite being on the floor holding his head.’
It is unclear whether the criticism is justified, given the Premier League’s head injury protocol remains somewhat vague, designed to balance player safety with preventing players from using stoppages to manipulate the flow of the game.
The Premier League’s guiding principles on head injuries state the need to ‘promote player welfare – to ensure efficient assessment of a potential injury on the pitch and sufficient time is afforded for treatment off the field of play,’ while also seeking ‘to deter players who request attention as a tactic to waste time or break the momentum of the game.’
These rules suggest that even if Oliver had seen the incident, he may still have opted not to blow his whistle and pause play.
The incident briefly subdued the Anfield crowd, with Liverpool struggling to regain momentum after conceding so early.
Mac Allister was later able to continue following assessment from medical staff, returning to the field wearing protective headgear.
