BangerboyA new angle and dramatic VAR audio release have shed light on the chaotic final moments of Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, where Alexis Mac Allister emerged as the ultimate hero. The match, which seemed destined for a goalless draw, exploded into controversy in the 89th minute when Mac Allister bundled the ball into the net, only for the goal to be chalked off after a lengthy review.
The newly released audio captures the high-stakes conversation between the on-field referee and Stockley Park as they scrutinized a clearance from Forest defender Ola Aina that cannoned off Mac Allister’s arm. The VAR can be heard confirming that while the contact was accidental, the ball struck the midfielder’s elbow before crossing the line. Under the current “accidental handball” laws for goalscorers, the officials had no choice but to disallow the strike. “It hits the arm of the goalscorer… final decision is a direct free kick,” the referee announced to a stunned City Ground.
However, the drama didn’t end there. In the 97th minute, Mac Allister struck again, this time lashing home a rebound after Stefan Ortega spilled a Virgil van Dijk header. An eye-opening new angle of this second goal shows just how fine the margins were, as VAR checked for a potential offside against Van Dijk and the positioning of Hugo Ekitike. The released audio reveals a tense deliberation before the VAR concluded, “Check complete—goal given,” sparking wild celebrations from Arne Slot’s side.
Mac Allister later admitted the first decision felt “harsh” but expressed his relief at getting a second chance. The release of these conversations provides a rare, transparent look into the decision-making process that allowed Liverpool to snatch a vital win in their hunt for Champions League football. While Nottingham Forest fans remain furious over the late heartbreak, the official footage confirms that the officials ultimately followed the letter of the law in one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2026 season.
