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Liverpool were not given a penalty by VAR in the final minute of their pulsating 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Super Sunday.
In the final minute of the match, Jeremy Doku challenged Alexis Mac Allister in the penalty area as City defended a corner – and appeared to catch the Liverpool No 10 in the chest.
Referee Michael Oliver waved away the call and VAR Stuart Attwell took a long look at the decision – and opted to stick with the on-field call.
According to Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury, who could hear the VAR officials discussing the incident, Doku was adjudged to have challenged the ball in a “reasonable” position.
However, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described the call as “100 per cent a foul and a yellow card” and “a penalty for all football people”.
“This situation, in all positions on the pitch, is 100 per cent a foul. It’s 100 per cent a foul and a yellow card,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
“Because he [Doku] hit the ball, yes. But he could only hit the ball because his foot is right there [high up]. And yes, he hit the ball. But if the ball is not there, he kills him [Mac Allister]. That’s how it is, it’s as easy as that.
“It’s a penalty for all football people. It’s a penalty for football people, if you think it’s not one then maybe you’re not a football fan.”
The draw means Liverpool and Manchester City dropped points to Arsenal in the title race, leaving the Gunners top of the table on goal difference with ten rounds of games remaining.
Sky Sports pundit and former Premier League referee Mike Dean felt Doku was “very, very fortunate” not to concede a spot kick.
Reacting to the incident live at Anfield, Dean said: “It is a massive decision for the VAR. He got a tiny touch on the ball but the follow-through caught him full in the rib cage. I wouldn’t be surprised if they sent the referee to the screen.”
When the check was complete, Dean said: “He played the ball first and I am guessing they’re saying the follow-through is a normal coming together. He is very, very fortunate in my opinion there, Doku.”
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville added: “He [Doku] is a very, very lucky boy. I thought he was in trouble.”
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What the pundits said
Sky Sports’ Roy Keane:
“Klopp makes a good point about Doku getting the ball but his foot is so high. I don’t think there’s any force behind it. So, I think the officials got it right. But he’s a lucky boy.”
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher:
“I think he sees Mac Allister coming in and he’s almost trying to pull his foot away. I think if that’s being given on the pitch, it’s not getting overturned.
“But once it’s not given, he’s not gone fully right through with it. I agree with that, but I do think there is an unwritten rule in football where a penalty has to be a bit more.
“When it’s in the box, it has to be a little bit more. He’s lucky but I can see why he’s not given it.”
Sky Sports’ Micah Richards:
Of course I was worried. I thought he was naïve. If you look at Doku, he could have headed it. Why didn’t he header it out? It’s going to cause drama, but I agree with Carragher.
Klopp’s full interaction with Sky Sports’ Pat Davidson
In his post-match interview with Sky Sports’ Pat Davidson, Klopp debated about whether the penalty should have been given:
Klopp: “It’s worth talking about it. Maybe you can answer me, would you have given a penalty in that situation?”
Davidson: “I am not surprised VAR didn’t overturn it.”
Klopp: “For the wrong reason that you are not surprised?”
Davidson: “Because of the high bar.”
Klopp: “What is a high bar?”
Davidson: “The high bar, the off-field official not wanting to re-referee the match.”
Klopp: “Isn’t it [VAR] there for just making the right decision and not thinking how high a bar you have to overcome to find the right decision?
“This situation, in all positions on the pitch, is 100 per cent a foul. It’s 100 per cent a foul and a yellow card. Because he hit the ball, yes.
“But he could only hit the ball because his foot is right there [high up]. And yes, he hit the ball. But if the ball is not there, he kills him [Mac Allister]. That’s how it is, it’s as easy as that.
“You will find people [who will say it’s not a penalty]. You employed Mike Dean, is he working for Sky? Congratulations that’s a great appointment by the way. He will find something and all the others as well.
“It’s a penalty for all football people. It’s a penalty for people, if you think it’s not one then maybe you’re not a football fan.”
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