Liverpool secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in a match that could have significant implications for the Premier League title race, aided by what experts have labeled as a “fundamental refereeing mistake.”
The decisive moment came when Darwin Nunez found the back of the net in the 99th minute, marking the latest goal in Premier League history and earning the Reds all three points at the City Ground. However, the events leading up to the goal sparked controversy, with Forest feeling aggrieved by the actions of referee Paul Tierney.
The drama unfolded after 98 minutes when Ibrahima Konate suffered a head injury while Callum Hudson-Odoi was in possession of the ball. According to the rules, Forest should have been granted possession deep inside Liverpool’s territory to restart play, but instead, the ball remained with the Reds.
Taking advantage of the retained possession, Jurgen Klopp’s side launched an attack, and despite Forest’s efforts to regain control, they failed to clear the danger, ultimately leading to Nunez’s decisive strike.
The frustration among Forest players and officials was palpable, with owner Evangelis Marinakis even confronting Tierney, demanding respect for the players and expressing his dissatisfaction with the situation.
Criticism of Tierney’s officiating extended beyond the pitch, with pundits Andy Gray and Richard Keys condemning the decision on BeIn Sport. Gray emphasized the principle of returning possession to the team in control, asserting that denying them the ball in the final third is unjustifiable. Keys echoed the sentiment, highlighting the basic nature of the refereeing error and the disappointment it caused for Forest, who had invested considerable effort into the match.
Liverpool’s victory comes amidst a season marked by controversial officiating decisions, including the disallowance of Luis Diaz’s goal against Tottenham due to a miscommunication with VAR officials. The win propels Klopp’s side four points clear at the summit of the Premier League table, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated clash with Manchester City in their next fixture following City’s meeting with Manchester United.