The drama at the City Ground has reached a
“Nuclear” level of controversy. After a grueling battle that seemed destined for a stalemate, Alexis Mac Allister has snatched a world-record 97th-minute winner to give Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest-but it’s the story of what happened before the goal that has stunned the Premier League.
Following a first-half “Medical Disaster” where Florian Wirtz was ruled out in the warm-up, Liverpool struggled to find a breakthrough.
Tensions boiled over in the 90th minute when Mac Allister had a goal cruelly ruled out by VAR for a controversial handball—an incident that led to a
“Shocking” verbal spat between the World Cup winner and referee Anthony Taylor.
“Watch Me”-The Ref’s Insult That Backfired
In a post-match interview that is already trending globally, Mac Allister revealed that as he walked back from the VAR monitor following the disallowed goal, the referee made a comment that
“ignited a fire” in the Liverpool camp.
“When the first goal was ruled out, the ref literally told me to just give up—he said ‘It’s not your day, just accept the draw’ I looked him in the eye and said ‘Watch me.’ I was fuming. I told the boys we are not leaving this pitch without three points.
You NEVER write Liverpool off until the final whistle.”
THE “97th MINUTE” MIRACLE: !! How the Superstar Destroyed Forest in Defiance
True to his word, Mac Allister didn’t stop. In the seventh minute of added time, with the Forest fans celebrating what they thought was a hard-earned point, the Argentine midfielder rose above the chaos.
The Build-Up: A desperate long throw from Joe Gomez was partially cleared, only for Dominik Szoboszlai to loft a cross back into the “mixer.”
The Snatched Winner: After Virgil van Dijk kept the ball alive, Mac Allister bundled it home in a
“Bizarre” and scrappy finish that survived a second, agonizing VAR check for offside.
• The Celebration: Mac Allister sprinted directly toward the technical area, reportedly pointing back at the officials in a gesture of “Pure Defiance.”
The Celebration: Mac Allister sprinted directly toward the technical area, reportedly pointing back at the officials in a gesture of “Pure Defiance.”
ARNE SLOT’S REACTION: !! “A Captain’s Mentality”
While not officially wearing the armband today, Mac Allister’s leadership has been hailed by Arne Slot as the reason Liverpool are still in the hunt for the Top 4.
“The mental strength to go again after having a goal ruled out in the 90th minute is unreal,” Slot told reporters. “If what Alexis says about the exchange with the official is true, it’s a serious matter, but his response on the pitch was world-class.”
THE FALLOUT: !! Forest “Incandescent with Rage”The City Ground has turned into a “Cauldron of Anger.” New Forest manager Vítor Pereira and defender Ola Aina were seen confronting the officiating team at full-time, claiming the added time exceeded the allotted five minutes.
Match Statistics:
Final Score: Nottingham Forest 0 – 1 Liverpool
Goalscorer: Alexis Mac Allister (90+7′)
Possession: Forest 38% – 62% Liverpool
VAR Checks: 2 (1 Goal Disallowed, 1 Goal Awarded)
Was the referee’s comment a “disgraceful” attempt to influence the game, or did Alexis Mac Allister just use a moment of frustration to fuel the greatest “Smash and Grab” of the 2026 season?