Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool controversy takes fresh twist as blame pointed in new direction

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher insists Paul Tierney will be questioning his colleagues for not spotting he had made a mistake during Liverpool's victory over Nottingham Forest.

The finish to the clash at the City Ground was mired in controversy as Tierney chose to restart the game with an uncontested drop ball to Liverpool's goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher instead of giving play back to Callum Hudson-Odoi when the match was stopped for a head injury in the box. Forest fans were disgruntled by the call but were left livid when less than two minutes later the Reds bagged the winner.

Alexis Mac Allister's cross was glanced in off the head of Darwin Nunez to send the away fans into ecstasy and a chorus of boos ringing out from the home supporters. On Sunday, Gallagher explained that Tierney had applied the law incorrectly during the match and the ball should have been given to the hosts.

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However, on Monday during Sky Sports' Ref Watch, Gallagher questioned why Tierney's fellow officials did not help him.

He said: "I think that is a brilliant question because Paul Tierney, without doubt, will have been beating himself up saying: ‘How did I make this mistake? What went through my head to drop the ball there rather than there?’ But he will also be questioning why his colleagues did not do the same.

"The first thing that happens when the ball goes dead and there is an injury you should be saying to your colleagues: ‘Remember where the ball is, remember to tell me how to restart the game,’ it is just basic refereeing. Keep it safe, keep it simple."

He later added: "He (Tierney) will be mortified but he will be questioning why