Skip to the content Jurgen Klopp has revealed what Alexis Mac Allister told him about being sent off for Liverpool today.
Mac Allister was given his marching orders after catching Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie in a 50/50 challenge. It looked very harsh indeed, and speaking his post-match press conference, Klopp gave his thoughts on it.
“Yes, I saw it back. I think the amount of times I got asked about it [by the media] shows already it is worth discussing it again, which we will probably do,” began the Liverpool manager.
“I saw it back now, in the game I couldn’t… I asked Macca and he said, ‘I touched him but not really.’ That was all he told me. After the game I saw it back now and I think if you have a list of points of what you need to give a red card, I think the majority – besides contact – nothing else, no other boxes ticked in that moment.
“I think it is a decision we all agree if he gives a yellow card the VAR would not overturn it. He gave a red card and the VAR is not overturning it because the contact means there is no clear and obvious [error]. Mistake, but I think the punishment [of] 40 minutes with 10 men in that weather today is already punishment enough, but let’s see. I don’t know. We have to talk to the authorities.”
Mac Allister sums up sending off
By the sounds of Klopp’s words here, you could deduce that Liverpool intend to appeal today’s decision.
If they do that, there is of course a chance that the ban could be extended if it doesn’t go in their favour. As a result, the Reds should weigh up whether they think they can win.
In our view, the sheer amount of opposition to the red card this afternoon suggests they have a strong case.
Mac Allister quite obviously didn’t intend to hurt Christie. It was a late challenge and certainly warranted a caution. But a dismissal felt overly harsh.
In fairness to the Argentine, his assessment of things is absolutely spot-on. ‘I touched him but not really’ sums it up nicely.
For Liverpool, should Mac Allister miss the next three games, it could be incredibly damaging.
Already without Curtis Jones, they’re now going to have to get Wataru Endo up to speed very quickly indeed. It was great to see Stefan Bajcetic back on the bench today, too, so options are returning. But with a trip to Newcastle next week, they could really do with Mac Allister back.
