Why Michael Oliver made controversial decision to allow Man Utd goal against Liverpool

Arne Slot after Liverpool fell behind to Manchester United

Michael Oliver never stopped the game before Manchester United’s opening goal against Liverpool because he wasn’t aware Alexis Mac Allister was down injured.

Liverpool’s players and supporters were left furious after Oliver didn’t stop play in the seconds before Bryan Mbeumo finished past Giorgi Mamardashvili in front of the Kop.

However, in the build-up to the goal, which came after just 63 seconds, Mac Allister clashed heads with team-mate Virgil van Dijk.

And now it has emerged that Oliver didn’t stop the game, as he wasn’t aware the Argentine international was down injured.

Confirming this, Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury explained: "What we are getting from the Match Centre is that the referee didn't see the injury and was therefore obviously not able to stop the game."

Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher said: "I think a lot of players have taken advantage of the head injury rule.

“There was a situation in the Arsenal game yesterday where Arsenal were unfortunate when the Fulham player went down and I'm surprised Michael Oliver hasn't pulled that back with a head injury."

On the goal, Gary Neville said: "What a first minute it is for Manchester United! United fans are delirious.

"Mbeumo and Cunha connect. Mbeumo runs round the back of Van Dijk. I don't think Van Dijk sees him! Mbeumo is like a boxer, off he goes! A stunning start for United!"

With Carragher responding saying: "Van Dijk is thinking Mbeumo will be offside but Konate goes with the run. Arne Slot is not happy with what happened with Mac Allister."

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