Nottm Forest vs Liverpool: VAR Controversy Surrounding Mac Allister Analyzed
On February 22, 2026, Nottm Forest vs Liverpool erupted into chaos at the City Ground. Forest boss Vítor Pereira’s side bossed play for long stretches. Then a last‑gasp Alexis Mac Allister goal was ruled out by VAR for handball, only for him to score moments later and win it. The drama had fans and pundits buzzing.
Short Topic’s Relevant Sports Details (Forest vs Liverpool VAR Drama)
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool delivered dramatic Premier League theatre on February 22, 2026, at the City Ground. Alexis Mac Allister thought he had won it in the 89th minute, but VAR wiped out the goal for a handball in the buildup. Moments later, he scored in the 97th minute to seal a 1‑0 Liverpool win. The controversial end sparked heated debate among pundits and fans alike.
Key match facts:
- Final score: Forest 0‑1 Liverpool (Mac Allister 90+7′)
- Liverpool struggled for rhythm and were outplayed for long spells.
- The VAR disallowed the goal before the actual winner.
Why Was the First Goal Disallowed?
Referee Anthony Taylor and VAR official Paul Tierney ruled that the ball hit Mac Allister’s arm before entering the goal. That contact triggered a handball decision and the goal was chalked off. Critics called the call harsh, saying the contact was minimal.
VAR breakdown:
- Ball rebounded off Mac Allister’s arm.
- VAR deemed it “accidental handball.”
- The goal was overturned.
How Did the Winning Goal Stand?
Moments after the disallowed effort, Van Dijk’s header dropped to Mac Allister, who converted from close range. VAR reviewed the build‑up for offside and ruled the goal valid.
Supporting insights:
- The offside check focused on whether Van Dijk was onside.
- Experts noted no clear offside angle to overturn.
Technical Summary: What the Stats Say?
Despite the late win:
- Forest had more big chances and similar xG.
- Liverpool’s expected goals (1.73) are slightly higher than Forest’s 1.13.
- Most dangerous phases came late.
Stats in bullet points:
- Possession: Forest 47% – Liverpool 53%
- Shots: Forest 18 – Liverpool 10
- Shots on target: Forest 2 – Liverpool 4
Supporting Commentator Reaction
Veteran pundit Jamie Carragher called Liverpool’s victory “one of the season’s biggest robberies,” given Forest’s performance. Another voice argued the VAR decisions were consistent with the current interpretation but still frustrating for spectators.
Final Takeaway
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool will go down as a classic VAR case study. Forest dominated, but Liverpool’s persistence paid off. The late drama reminded fans of how fine the margins are in Premier League football this season. VAR got the calls right by the book, but not everyone agreed with the outcome.
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