Mac Allister Sent Off on Liverpool Home Debut in Controversial Decision

Alexis Mac Allister was shown a straight red card on his home debut for Liverpool against Bournemouth in what many felt was a harsh decision by the referee.

Mac Allister was dismissed by referee Thomas Bramall in the 58th minute after a challenge on Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie. The Argentine was making his first appearance at Anfield after joining Liverpool for £35 million from Brighton earlier this summer.

You can’t even go in for a challenge anymore. This is never a red card for Mac Allister. The game is gone 🤦‍♂️pic.twitter.com/2EEoyEy0JD

— LLF (@laligafrauds) August 19, 2023

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A VAR review upheld Bramall’s initial call to send off Mac Allister. The high point of contact on Christie and Mac Allister’s studs showing were cited as the reasons for sticking with the red card decision.

Paul Tierney, who has had previous run-ins with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, was in charge of VAR, with Constantine Hatzidakis assisting. Hatzidakis also had an exchange with Liverpool’s Andy Robertson last season.

At the time of the sending off, Liverpool were leading 2-1 courtesy of goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, which had overturned Antoine Semenyo’s early opener for Bournemouth.

New signing Waturu Endo immediately came on to replace Cody Gakpo after Mac Allister’s dismissal, making his Liverpool debut earlier than expected.

While Liverpool held on to win 3-1, Mac Allister’s contentious red card marked an eventful home debut for the Argentine midfielder. Many felt the decision was excessively harsh, especially after a VAR review.