Why referee did not stop Liverpool vs Man Utd for head injury before Bryan Mbeumo goal

Manchester United took an early and unexpected lead against Liverpool at Anfield through a controversial goal by Bryan Mbeumo just 62 seconds into the match. The goal's legitimacy sparked debate due to a nearby head injury involving Liverpool player Alexis Mac Allister.

The controversy arose when, during a long pass, Virgil van Dijk inadvertently elbowed Mac Allister in the back of the head while competing with Mbeumo. Mac Allister fell to the ground clutching his head, a situation that typically prompts an immediate stoppage of play under Premier League guidelines for potential head injuries. However, referee Michael Oliver did not halt the game, reportedly because he did not see the injury occur.

As play continued, Bruno Fernandes passed to Amad Diallo, who set up Mbeumo. Mbeumo then skillfully finished at the near post, putting Manchester United ahead 1-0. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and players expressed dissatisfaction with the decision not to stop play, signaling to the officials about the injury. Yet, the referee maintained that since he missed the incident, the goal stood.

Following treatment on the pitch, Mac Allister was able to continue playing, later wearing protective headgear. Despite the controversy, the goal was allowed to stand, which ignited debate among fans and pundits, including former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who believed the goal should not have counted due to the serious injury situation.

The incident highlights the tension between player safety protocols and the refereeing challenges in fast-paced football matches, especially concerning head injuries. Liverpool's frustration centered on the fact that early intervention could have stopped the goal from happening, while Manchester United’s swift attack exploited the situation effectively.