Liverpool Could Appeal Alexis Mac Allister’s Red Card After Anfield Debut
Alexis Mac Allister made his second start for Liverpool, and his first at Anfield, on Saturday as he took up No. 6 duties against Bournemouth. But just before the hour mark, the £35 million signing was shown a straight red card for a challenge on midfielder Ryan Christie. His studs went into Christie’s ankle, but did so with little force and at a normal height to battle for the loose ball, leading to surprise when he was dismissed.
Thomas Bramall, refereeing his first-ever Liverpool game and only his 10th in the Premier League, was not overturned by VAR. And speaking after the 3-1 win, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted he plans to “talk about” the decision, suggesting the club could make an appeal.
“I saw the red card back and for sure we have to talk about it,” he told Sky Sports. “I understand 100 percent how it looks for a ref in that moment but when you see it back it is the inside of the foot and no power behind it. It is not ruthless, it is just mis-hit the ball and then hit slightly the shin of the other player. We saw harsher challenges which were not a red card and this shouldn’t have been. I don’t know exactly what we have to do, but we should talk about it again.”
Klopp explained in his post-match press conference: “The punishment, being down to 10 men for 30 minutes, is already punishment enough. Let’s see, we have to talk to the authorities.”
In the VAR booth was Paul Tierney, himself involved in a Reds fixture for the first time since his brush with Klopp, supported by Constantine Hatzidakis, the linesman who elbowed Andy Robertson. Supporters may find this concerning, of course, and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola himself doubted it was a red card.
“For me, the red card was more kind of ‘orange’, this situation was kind of ‘orange’,” he said in his press conference. “It’s a difficult decision. I understand the referee in his decisions, because they were not easy decisions.”
Given the circumstances surrounding Mac Allister’s red card, Liverpool could look to appeal the decision and have it overturned. It was certainly a harsh decision from referee Thomas Bramall who had only officiated 10 Premier League games prior to Saturday’s match.
The challenge itself was not overly aggressive or dangerous and Mac Allister appeared to be attempting to win the ball fairly. The fact that VAR did not overturn the decision is also concerning given that it is supposed to be used to correct any clear and obvious errors made by referees.
The presence of Paul Tierney in the VAR booth could also be seen as a cause for concern as he has had previous run-ins with Klopp in the past. It is unclear whether this had any influence on the decision but it could be argued that it is something that should be taken into consideration when looking at the possibility of an appeal.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola himself also questioned the decision, describing it as more of an ‘orange’ card than a red one. This further highlights how harsh the decision was and could be used as evidence to support an appeal from Liverpool.
The punishment for Mac Allister’s red card was already severe as Liverpool were forced to play with 10 men for 30 minutes. An appeal could potentially reduce this punishment and allow Mac Allister to play again sooner rather than later.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will decide to appeal the decision but given the circumstances surrounding it, it certainly seems like a possibility. Jurgen Klopp has already hinted that he plans to discuss the situation with the authorities and if they believe there is a case to be made then an appeal could be on the cards.