Carragher labels Mac Allister’s reaction in Liverpool defeat ‘embarrassing’

Liverpool great Jamie Carragher has criticised Alexis Mac Allister for trying to get Arsenal winger Noni Madueke sent off during the Gunners’ 1-0 win at Anfield on Sunday.

The Liverpool midfielder became involved in a heated exchange after shouting at Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and striking the back of the Norway international’s head while he was lying on the ground.

Mac Allister then went to ground himself after his head made contact with Madueke’s. Carragher condemned the former Brighton player’s actions, accusing him of attempting to reduce Arsenal to 10 men.

“I want Liverpool to win the game, but I’m glad Madueke wasn’t sent off,” 48-year-old Carragher told Sky Sports.

The former Liverpool defender added, as reported by The Sun: “We really have to criticise people and say to them: ‘This is embarrassing.’”

Carragher said the incident represented behaviour that should be removed from football.

“It’s ridiculous and it has to stop. I can’t stand it,” he said.

“If someone throws their head back and headbutts an opponent, that deserves a red card.

“But if there is face-to-face contact and there is a touch, then the other player goes down and someone is sent off, other players in the game have to be held accountable for that.”

The incident came during a match in which Arsenal secured victory at Anfield, leaving Liverpool to reflect on both the result and Mac Allister’s role in the confrontation.

Carragher’s criticism was directed at the midfielder’s reaction rather than a claim that Madueke had committed a sending-off offence. His comments focused on the contrast between a deliberate headbutt and a minor contact that is followed by an exaggerated fall.

The former Liverpool defender made clear that he supported strong disciplinary action when a player genuinely uses his head against an opponent. However, he argued that players should also face criticism when they appear to use limited contact to influence the referee’s decision.

Madueke avoided a red card despite Mac Allister’s attempt to have him dismissed, while Arsenal held on for a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in front of the Anfield crowd.