Michael Oliver branded a 'disgrace' as Liverpool fans cry referee 'corruption' after Man Utd 'benefit from loophole' for Bryan Mbeumo goal & survive 'clear' penalty calls

A flying start to a meeting between two old adversaries saw Mbeumo break the deadlock. He produced a composed finish after running in behind the Liverpool defence - away from the likes of Virgil van Dijk - and firing into the back of the net. As he wheeled away in celebration, Alexis Mac Allister was sprawled out on the turf.

The World Cup-winning Argentina international was holding his head, having been caught in a challenge just inside the Liverpool half. He was struck by a stray elbow from Reds captain Van Dijk, which clearly left him in some discomfort. The game was not halted, though, with Oliver allowing play to go on and United to take the lead.

Liverpool were left fuming, with Arne Slot quick to get into the ear of the fourth official. Mac Allister required plenty of treatment on the field, having suffered a cut to the back of his head, and was left sporting a protective head guard. United are considered to have benefitted from a “loophole”, with VAR unable to intervene as no foul had been committed in the build-up to Mbeumo’s goal.

Understandably, Liverpool supporters were not happy, with more big decisions doing little to lift their mood. The home side thought they should have had a penalty at one stage as the ball struck the hand of United winger Amad inside the box. Protests there were waved away, with the VAR team sticking with Oliver’s on-field ruling.

Reds fans were quick to air their disgust on social media. @IanDoyleSport said: “United have benefited from a loophole there. The ref hasn't seen it, but VAR has after the goal goes in. But as it's not a foul, how do they go back and stop the game? Bottom line is it's a terrible error from Michael Oliver.” @LFCam0 added: “Don’t think I’ve seen a worse 20 minute refereeing performance in my life. Michael Oliver needs sacking.” Sticking with that theme, @SamueILFC said: “Michael Oliver is a disgrace of a referee for not stopping play because of a head injury.”

@FtblRocco chimed in with: “The Manc Michael Oliver not blowing his whistle for a head injury. What a shock that is.” @LukeSandoLFC said, as attention turned to the shout against Amad: “That's clear handball !!!!! Michael Oliver is so corrupt!!!!!” @TylerPRadio added: “Is Michael Oliver okay? Not seen such a biased ref before, especially in such a big game like Liverpool v Man Utd. Casemiro fouled Mac Allister forcing him into someone else but it’s apparently Mac Allister who makes the foul. Then the Diallo handball not given.”

Liverpool had opportunities to restore parity in the first half against United, but were frustrated by the woodwork and some smart goalkeeping from Senne Lammens. They entered the interval trailing to a goal they believe should never have stood.

Problems have been mounting for Slot of late, with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool heading into the October international break on the back of three successive defeats across all competitions. A fourth against United would really sting, especially with more questions being asked of the match officials.