Why referee didn't stop for head injury before Man Utd goal vs Liverpool

Alexis Mac Allister receives treatment after Man Utd’s goal (Picture: Getty)

The Premier League have explained why referee Michael Olivier did not stop the play for a head injury before Manchester United ’s opening goal against Liverpool .

United summer signing Bryan Mbeumo gave the visitors the lead inside two minutes at Anfield with a crisp strike past Giorgi Mamardashvili.

There were complaints from the Liverpool team as Alexis Mac Allister went down with a head injury shortly before the goal.

Mac Allister challenged Mbeumo for a header and was inadvertently elbowed by his Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk .

The Argentina international immediately fell to the ground clutching the back of his head but play continued and Mbeumo stunned Anfield with an early goal.

During Manchester United’s celebrations, Mac Allister was receiving medical attention from two physios and continued with protection around his head.

VAR was unable to intervene given a foul was not committed but referees generally stop the play if a player suffers a head injury.

Bryan Mbeumo gave Manchester United an early lead (Picture: Getty)

However, the Premier League match centre indicated to Sky Sports that Oliver had ‘not seen the injury and therefore couldn’t stop the game’.

That explanation surprised Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who said: ‘He was on the floor holding his head… Arne Slot is not happy with what happened with Mac Allister.

‘I think a lot of players have taken advantage of the head injury rule. There was a situation in the Arsenal game yesterday where Arsenal were unfortunate when the Fulham player went down.

‘I’m surprised Michael Oliver hasn’t pulled that back with a head injury.’

After Manchester United’s early opener, Old Trafford hero Gary Neville said: ‘What a first minute it is for United! The travelling fans are delirious.

‘Mbeumo and Cunha connect. Mbeumo runs round the back of Van Dijk. I don’t think Van Dijk sees him! Mbeumo is like a boxer, off he goes! A stunning start for United!

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