Liverpool were once again on the receiving end of a controversial VAR decision after Alexis Mac Allister’s red card

Not for the first time since its introduction ahead of the 2019/20 season, VAR has taken centre stage.

Only two games into the new campaign and there have already been plenty of decisions disputed. If Saturday’s game between Liverpool and Bournemouth was anything to go by, this is a pattern than only looks set to continue.

Alexis Mac Allister was shown a straight red card by referee Thomas Bramall for catching Ryan Christie with his studs, a call VAR officials Paul Tierney and Constantine Hatzidakis stood by after reviewing footage of the incident.

This verdict has left a number of Liverpool supporters on social media frustrated, who have bemoaned a lack of consistency from officials in the English top-flight.

One example fans were quick to point to relates to the high foot of Tyrone Mings on Cody Gakpo back in May, which left the Dutch forward with a visible cut down his chest following contact from the Aston Villa defender. The on-field call from the referee on the day, John Brooks, was to brandish Mings with a yellow card. A subsequent VAR check did not result in a red card for the England international.

A similar incident also occurred during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on the opening day of the Premier League season, with Carney Chukwuemeka catching Ibrahima Konate with a high boot. The midfielder was booked, but not sent off.