Alexis Mac Allister sparks Burnley fume as Michael Oliver proven right over Liverpool decision

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Alexis Mac Allister was replaced at half-time in Liverpool's Premier League encounter against Burnley(Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Liverpool continued the new Premier League season with a hard-earned victory at Burnley on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds dominated a one-sided game but struggled to break down a resolute Clarets rearguard until they were awarded a penalty deep into additional time that was converted by Mohamed Salah.

The result moved the Reds three points clear at the top of the early table and maintained their 100% record after four games.

But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes (and a bit more) at Turf Moor...

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Mac attacked

The Turf Moor crowd is notorious for being a bit grumpy at the best of times.

And it didn't take long for them to find reason to air their ire on Sunday.

Alexis Mac Allister was the subject of their angst, initially for having the temerity to be on the receiving end of a poor challenge from Lesley Ugochukwu and then for failing to leave and subsequently re-enter the field having had treatment.

However, it turns out the rules state Mac Allister didn't have to depart to the touchline as he had been on the receiving end of a foul that resulted in a caution.

Who knew?

Hartman-breaker

Hannibal Mejbri probably wouldn't be the greatest competitor in a game of poker.

While some footballers go to great lengths to hide a possible foul, the Burnley substitute's reaction to the ball striking his arm to concede the winning penalty effectively made up the mind of referee Michael Oliver to award the spot kick.

That, though, was nothing compared to the response of Clarets team-mate and Arne Slot's former Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman.

The Holland international put his hands to his face and then dropped to the floor, where he remained for some time.

Such is the emotion of the game.

Classy Virgil

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There was a nice touch after the game in the mixed zone, the area where the assembled hacks attempt to get a word or two from players post-match.

Before stopping for a chat, Virgil van Dijk made a point of making a FaceTime call to congratulate an under-13 Liverpool side which had participated in the Van Dijk Legacy Tournament at his former club Willem II.

The young Reds beat Manchester City in the semi-final before overcoming Feyenoord in the final.