Alan Shearer claims referee Paul Tierney ‘dropped a clanger’ in the build-up to Liverpool’s controversial win over Nottingham Forest

Match of The Day experts Alan Shearer and Jermaine Jenas claim referee Paul Tierney made a mistake in the build-up to Liverpool’s late win over Nottingham Forest.

Jürgen Klopp’s men took all three points deep in injury time thanks to a header from substitute Darwin Nunez.

However, controversy struck when play was stopped over a minute earlier due to Ibrahima Konate’s head injury, when Callum Hudson-Odoi attempted to cross from a dangerous position. Konate quickly recovered and Tierney ruled that Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher should resume play.

But instead of giving possession back, Kelleher picked out a teammate and Liverpool went on the attack before eventually finding the winning goal.

Shearer believes Nunez’s late header might not have come about had Forest been given the drop ball unchallenged.

Referee Paul Tierney has come under heavy scrutiny for his actions at the City Ground

Speaking on Match of The Day, he said: ‘He dropped Paul Tierney with a big blow. He’s completely wrong. He just blows when Forest have the ball. But what he then does is he gives the ball back to the goalkeeper unchallenged, which is completely wrong.

“It should be an uncontested drop ball in the woods. It wasn’t in the box, but outside the box. I understand the timing, it was a minute and 50 seconds later, but and it’s a big but, if you drop it where Forest should have had the drop, everything changes. ‘

Former midfielder Jenas reflected these views, saying: ‘It was a shocking decision. The time effect is valid because the game is different at that moment. Time has passed and Forest have put pressure on Liverpool.

‘Hudson-Odoi might get another corner, might get another shot on target. To release that pressure at that moment, at that point in the game, is huge.”

The controversial decision resulted in Forest coach Steven Reid being shown a red card after heated scenes on the benches, while unused substitute Felipe was shown a yellow card.

Alan Shearer believes Tierney ‘dropped a punch’ after returning the ball to Liverpool

Former midfielder Jenas reflected these views and says Tierney has made a ‘shocking decision’

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was also able to console Tierney shortly after the whistle.

Mark Clattenburg pleaded Forest’s case to his former employers after the former referee was left stunned by Tierney’s display.

The win at the City Ground saw Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points.