Ex-Fifa ref reacts to Alexander-Arnold VAR incident in Liverpool draw at Forest
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Keith Hackett has given his verdict on an incident in the 1-1 Liverpool draw with Nottingham Forest where Trent Alexander-Arnold struck an opponent.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the right-back catching opposition midfielder Elliot Anderson with his hand was an “accident”.
Arne Slot’s side came from a goal down to secure a draw at the City Ground on Wednesday night as they continue to chase the Premier League title, hitting back through substitute Jota after an early Chris Wood strike.
In an entertaining encounter, Liverpool were left frustrated at times by the officiating although one controversial moment involving their right-back was avoided.
Liverpool dodge Trent Alexander-Arnold controversy at Nottingham Forest
With an hour on the clock and his side trailing 1-0, Alexander-Arnold came close to find himself in the spotlight.
After referee Chris Kavanagh blew his whistle for a Nottingham Forest free-kick on the edge of the Liverpool area, Anderson flicked the ball up in the air as he turned towards the position of the set-piece.
Alexander-Arnold then punched the ball away, and as he drew his fist down after making contact with the ball, also caught the Forest midfielder.
That saw the former Newcastle man go to ground, leading to a VAR check for violent conduct against the England international.
Ultimately no punishment was given for the Liverpool man, and Hackett believes that was the right decision.
Speaking to Football Insider about that incident, the former referee said:
“With the whistle blown for a free-kick the ball bounced in the direction of Alexander-Arnold who stops the ball by clearly handling it.
“In doing so he accidentally catches an opponent. No further action required.”
With Liverpool equalising moments later to earn a draw, they remain six points at the top of the Premier League table, with Forest now climbing to second.
Alexander-Arnold has of course been the subject of much speculation this season with his contract expiring in the summer amid some heavy links with Real Madrid.
In other news, Liverpool and Man United are racing to sign a Wolves player.
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The post Ex-Fifa ref reacts to Alexander-Arnold VAR incident in Liverpool draw at Forest appeared first on Football Insider.
