Former FIFA referee and former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has given his verdict on Brian Mbeumo’s controversial opener in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool, leaving Jamie Carragher “surprised”.
Cody Gakpo canceled out Mbeumo’s goal in the first minute, Harry Maguire scored United’s late winner and several Liverpool players confronted referee Michael Oliver as Alexis Mac Allister lay on the ground holding his head.
There was discussion that Oliver should have blown the whistle, as is customary for head injuries, after Reds captain Virgil van Dijk elbowed a team-mate in the build-up to the goal.
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However, Mr Hackett believed the correct call was made and VAR could not have intervened if the referee had not seen the head injury, as Mr Oliver suggested.
Hackett told Football Insider: “The ball bounced and three players challenged it in a fair manner and Man United went on the attack. They looked to score a good goal.”
“Referee Oliver did not appear to see the head injury and play was allowed to continue. The goal was scored and correctly disallowed.
“VAR can’t intervene in this and it’s not a clear mistake.”
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Carragher gave his thoughts on the incident in his commentary, saying: “I’m frustrated that the players took advantage of that rule. There was an incident near the dugout at the Arsenal game yesterday and the referee called off the game.”
“I’m very surprised Michael Oliver didn’t take it back.”
Gary Neville was stunned by Van Dijk’s role in the goal, saying on commentary: “Mac Allister went down, but it was Van Dijk that surprised me. Mbeumo ran away from him. He couldn’t see him. That’s a big surprise.”
“Mbeumo reacts like a boxer from the ground and he’s away. Mamadashvili can’t contain it and it’s a great start for Manchester United. I don’t know if Van Dijk is trying to put him offside. He’s pointing at Konate as if to say, ‘That’s your man.'” It’s a strange hand-off from him. ”
Roy Keane, who analyzed the goal for Sky Sports, said: “Obviously the referee could have stopped it, but I don’t see why Virgil van Dijk was involved[with the header]. Then he came back[to tackle Fernandes]and was taken out of position. Liverpool are on the back foot, but Van Dijk’s response was poor.”
Redknapp added: “United played well, but Van Dijk made a big mistake. He has to sprint back. There are certainly bumps, but he has to get back on track. He can’t just hand it to (Ibrahima) Konate.”
