Alex Mac Allister’s injury in Argentina’s match against Ecuador last night was one of the subjects approached by national team manager Lionel Scaloni during his press conference.
At the 58th minute of the game, the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder was hit by Allan Franco and forced to leave the pitch.
The Ecuadorian only got a yellow for the play, and despite the clearly dangerous challenge, the referee chose not to use the VAR for more angles.
Scaloni made it clear he was not happy with Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, and wondered why he didn’t go double check the challenge on the Brighton star.
“I don’t know if the referee was permissive, what I do know is that it is unfortunate that the VAR has not called to review Mac Allister’s play. I just saw the play and I reiterate that it’s unfortunate how it was handled. Alexis had his leg all marked by the blow,” said the manager (via Olé).
Mac Allister had medical help, and as reported by Clarin, he ‘limped away’ from the pitch as he ‘could not continue’ for the final minutes of the game, being replaced by Exequiel Palacios.
Even though the reports point out the Brighton walked off the field by himself, it’s still not clear how serious the injury was.
Since national team players normally have a quick return to their clubs, it’s probably the Seagulls who will have that answer rather than the Argentine media.
