The FA has overturned Alexis Mac Allister's red card against Bournemouth on Saturday following Liverpool's successful appeal against the midfielder's three-match ban. Referee Thomas Bramall had given Mac Allister a straight red for a challenge on Ryan Christie just before the hour mark in Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield, with Liverpool leading 2-1 at the time.
The FA announced on Twitter that Alexis Mac Allister's three-match suspension has been lifted by an independent regulatory commission, following a claim of wrongful dismissal. Therefore, he will not be suspended for Liverpool's next three matches against Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Wolves.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his thoughts on the game after the match on Saturday, stating that "there was no justification for a red card."
In an interview with We, Klopp emphasized the need for discussion regarding the incident, with unanimous agreement among those involved. He fully comprehends how the situation may have appeared to the referee at the time, but upon reviewing the footage, it is evident that the contact made was with the inside of the foot and lacked force.
"We've witnessed instances where there were more severe circumstances that didn't warrant red cards, but should have. It's necessary to address this matter. Had the referee deemed it a yellow, the VAR would not have escalated it to a red card.
"There seems to be a dearth of factors indicating a red card, especially in terms of intensity. True, there was contact, but there must be a distinct intention for it to qualify as a red card. We intend to have discussions regarding this issue with the relevant authorities."
Ref Watch: Mac Allister wrongly sent off
According to Dermot Gallagher, a former Premier League referee, Mac Allister should not have been shown a red card.He stated: "In my opinion, it is not deserving of a red card. The issue lies in the fact that the referee perceived it as a high tackle, but the occurrence of such a tackle can only happen when both players are in close proximity."
The boot makes contact with his ankle, but it wouldn't be considered a high tackle if his foot was on the ground and he made contact in the same spot.
Since both players have their feet off the ground, in my opinion, it does not warrant a red card. If Liverpool wants to successfully appeal, they would need to provide concrete evidence proving that the referee made a clear and obvious mistake.
Ex-Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock agreed with Gallagher and believes it should be rescinded.
He told We News: "Clear and obvious has to go out the window. Right and wrong has to come in.
"Is it a red card, yes or no? Have you made a mistake, yes or no? That's not a red card. It must be overturned."
Dean: Mac Allister went in high
Mike Dean, former Premier League referee, speaking on Soccer Saturday:"He went in with excessive height, although the force behind the challenge was minimal. Nevertheless, he managed to make contact at a rather elevated point. It seems that his leg engaged in a lackadaisical manner.
"There was likely no necessity for him to even attempt the challenge. The unfortunate outcome was that he connected with the opponent's shin area.
The referee's decision is not incorrect. He made contact with the opponent's shin while entering with his studs visible.
The situation would have been reviewed by VAR. They are satisfied with the decision made by referee Thomas Brammall and play continues.
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