Liverpool’s bid to overturn Alexis Mac Allister’s red card from the Bournemouth match might face challenges, suggests VAR authority Dale Johnson. Mac Allister, making his Anfield debut, was sent off after an altercation with Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie, leading referee Thomas Bramall to issue the dismissal. Neither VAR referee Paul Tierney nor assistant Constantine Hatzidakis advised an on-field monitor review. Consequently, Mac Allister faces a suspension for Liverpool’s upcoming three Premier League fixtures.
Despite the Football Association’s planned review of the tackle through an independent regulatory commission, Liverpool faces an uphill battle to overturn Alexis Mac Allister’s red card, as suggested by VAR expert Dale Johnson.
In his ESPN column, Johnson noted that the Premier League’s approach to tackling is more lenient compared to other major leagues. Force is given more consideration than point of contact, indicating that Mac Allister’s challenge may not warrant a red card. Even Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola agreed with Jurgen Klopp that the midfielder’s dismissal was unwarranted.
Johnson analyzed the tackle, highlighting that Mac Allister’s studs led the challenge on Ryan Christie’s shin as the latter attempted to clear the ball with a sidefoot action. Referee Thomas Bramall determined that Mac Allister endangered an opponent’s safety due to his approach.
Regarding VAR referee Paul Tierney’s dilemma, Johnson questioned whether labeling the red card as a “clear and obvious error” was appropriate when considering Bramall’s perspective.
Johnson emphasized Howard Webb’s emphasis on on-field decisiveness, stressing that VAR should not serve as a safety net. He acknowledged the delicate balance between on-pitch decisions, VAR protocol, and maintaining the game’s integrity.
Bramall, in his ninth Premier League game and first involving a Big Six club, has shown confidence in his decisions, previously rejecting a VAR overturn at the monitor.
Johnson discussed Liverpool’s appeal chances, noting Klopp’s intent to avoid a three-game ban for Mac Allister. However, he cautioned that success is not guaranteed. The appeal panel might view Mac Allister’s studs-first blocking motion as not constituting an incorrect decision in terms of the law.
