“Oliver Made a Mistake” – Former PGMOL Chief Slams Referee’s Poor Call in Chaotic Liverpool vs Manchester United Clash
A former FIFA referee criticized Michael Oliver for what he described as a “poor decision” during Liverpool’s heated Premier League match against Manchester United, claiming the referee failed to award a clear penalty for handball.
“Liverpool were denied a clear penalty. Oliver got that one wrong,” he said.
Oliver’s officiating at Anfield was filled with questionable moments, with this particular incident—occurring just 18 minutes in—being the second of several errors throughout the game.
Premier League Explains Controversial Man Utd Goal Against Liverpool
Liverpool fell behind early at Anfield after Bryan Mbeumo’s goal, despite strong protests directed at referee Michael Oliver. The Premier League Match Centre later explained why the goal was allowed to stand.
The controversy stemmed from an incident involving Alexis Mac Allister, who appeared to suffer a head injury after colliding with teammate Virgil van Dijk. Instead of stopping play, as is standard protocol for potential head injuries, Oliver let the match continue. Mbeumo capitalized on the situation and scored past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
On Sky Sports, commentator Peter Drury noted that the goal stood because Oliver did not see Mac Allister down injured. Jamie Carragher responded sarcastically:
“He was on the floor holding his head!”
Both Van Dijk and manager Arne Slot protested, with Carragher expressing disbelief that play wasn’t stopped:
“I’ve often been annoyed when players exploit that rule, but this time it was genuine. I’m surprised Oliver didn’t halt the game.”
Gary Neville, however, criticized Van Dijk’s defensive lapse, saying the Liverpool captain lost track of Mbeumo in the buildup:
“Mac Allister goes down, but Van Dijk just doesn’t react. Mbeumo sprints through and scores — that’s the real shock.”
Mamardashvili couldn’t prevent the goal, giving Manchester United an early lead.
Shortly after, Liverpool appealed for a penalty following a possible handball by Amad Diallo, but Oliver again waved play on. The Premier League later confirmed that VAR reviewed the incident and upheld the referee’s decision, stating that Diallo’s arm was in a “natural and justifiable position.”
The match came amid a rough patch for Liverpool, who had lost three straight games across both the Premier League and Champions League. With Arsenal’s victory at Fulham the previous evening, the Reds risked slipping four points behind at the top of the table by the weekend’s end.
