Alexander Isak put fans in 'danger' vs Bournemouth and 'had to be punished'

Michael Oliver had no choice but to sanction Alexander Isak for the Liverpool striker's celebrations against Bournemouth.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that player and fan safety must be prioritised.

The referee had a rather simple game at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, 20 September, with only one goal separating the two sides on the south coast.

After a tightly fought first half, Isak finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, grabbing his fourth Premier League goal of the campaign already.

Given he had such a difficult first season at Anfield, emotions took over, and Isak raced to join the away supporters after firing past Djordje Petrovic.

As he returned to the centre circle, Oliver produced the yellow card for the Reds' goalscorer, which many supporters found extremely harsh.

Alexander Isak 'overcelebrated' - Michael Oliver had no choice

However, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett explained that Isak simply left the referee with no other option, having created a "dangerous" situation.

"That gives you a very clear picture of why the whole aspect of a yellow-card caution is in the laws of the game," he said.

"There is a security risk and health risk to fans. What happens is it creates a surge. So we have to look at the harsh side of it; that is the reality.

"I can understand the elation of anybody scoring a goal. I'm passionate about football, so I understand. But there's a responsibility here.

"And at the end of the day, what players have got to understand is celebrate, but try to stay on the grass bit. And this way you don't put anyone at risk.

"Of course, the other side of it is not only that, but the player can also be cautioned for delaying the restart. Now in this instance, that would be severe.

"But he's got a yellow card because he's overcelebrated and created what is clearly a dangerous situation."

How did Liverpool fans react to Isak's yellow card?

Hackett has clearly explained why Isak had to receive a yellow card, but fans watching from home were far from happy with the referee's decision.

One fan has labelled it as "total nonsense" and "embarrassing," but everyone's safety should always be the priority.

Referees are trying to stop players from creating scenes like this, as we've all seen how dangerous they can become in the wrong circumstances.