Ex-PGMOL chief gives verdict on controversial Bryan Mbeumo moment vs Liverpool
Bryan Mbeumo may have been fortunate to see his goal against Liverpool stand as Michael Oliver missed a key moment in the build-up.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider his expert verdict on whether Mbeumo’s goal should have stood.
Mbeumo was touted as a Man United player who could trouble Liverpool as the Red Devils went into the match at Anfield as underdogs.
Against Man City earlier in the season Man United fans have already hailed Mbeumo as a future club legend.
Mbeumo goal was ‘not a clear and obvious error’
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett believes Oliver made the correct decision despite Alexis Mac Allister going down with a head injury in the build-up.
“Three players challenged in a fair manner for the ball which bounced and put Man United on the attack. They went in to score a good goal,” Hackett said.
“It appeared that Referee Oliver had not seen the head injury and play was allowed to continue. Goal scored and correctly allowed.
“VAR cannot intervene on this it is not a clear and obvious error.”
Games should be stopped for head injuries
Hackett has previously stated that matches should stop when head injuries occur, and this was to the detriment of Newcastle’s Fabian Schar after he suffered a head injury against Liverpool earlier in the season.
Oliver did not spot that Mac Allister had gone down, but his fellow officials potentially also did not spot the incident as they did not alert the referee to the situation.
It was a huge moment in the game, even just one minute in, as it gave Man United the lead and a chance to build confidence and momentum.