Exclusive: Liverpool ‘to take Alexis Mac Allister action’ after ‘red-card’ twist
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been hailed for his response to one of his players during his side’s win over Bournemouth by Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Reds boss did the right thing in substituting Alexis Mac Allister when he did.
Slot saw his side secure a 2-0 win over the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday (1 February) to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Things however could have got harder for Liverpool had their manager not taken action after one player came close to being sent off.
Alexis Mac Allister lucky not to see red for Liverpool at Bournemouth
With the visitors leading 1-0 thanks to a controversial first half penalty from Mo Salah, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was booked for blocking the run of Dango Outtara.
Moments later the hosts felt the Liverpool midfielder – who had already been involved in an accidental collision with Tyler Adams in the game – should have had a second yellow, after swinging for the ball in the air, only to miss and instead catch the inside of David Brooks’ leg with a high boot.
Referee Darren England though chose not to send the Argentina international off, and he was instead substituted by Slot moments later to be replaced by Curtis Jones.
Hackett has now praised the Liverpool manager for ensuring Mac Allister was taken off rather than sent off, telling Football Insider:
“There’s no question that this should have been a second yellow card. There’s no question about that.
“But the one thing I would add is this. I think the actions of the manager need to be praised. Because I think he recognised that this particular player at times does lose a bit of his self control.
“What you have to say is when you’re on a yellow card you’re on a tightrope and I think he’s fortunate that the referee’s not seen in the way that we’ve seen it and of course VAR cannot come in on a yellow card offence.
“So the Liverpool player’s got away with one, well done the manager for substituting him because he was a car crash ready to happen, so I think you want players that are aggressive but you also want players that do engage their brain on occasions and calm down. I think he’ll get some good operational advice from his manager.”
Following the weekend’s results the Reds are still top of the Premier League table, six points clear of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand.
In other news, Liverpool have been tipped to sell one player in the summer under one condition.
For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.