Mike Dean and Gary Neville agree on Liverpool penalty decision vs Man City amid VAR controversy
Liverpool was denied a last-minute penalty against Manchester City when Alexis Mac Allister was kicked by Jérémy Doku. Gary Neville and Mike Dean were in agreement
Gary Neville has questioned the decision that saw Liverpool denied a late penalty during its match against Manchester City. Jürgen Klopp also had words with the referee about it after his side was denied a possible three points.
As the game drew to a close, City was trying to clear the ball from a corner when Jérémy Doku kicked Alexis Mac Allister in the chest and thigh. The Argentine fell to the ground but play continued around him until the ball went out of play.
The referee, Michael Oliver, decided not to award a penalty. However, VAR Stuart Attwell did review the incident. After his check, he cleared Doku and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Neville though wasn’t convinced. Before hearing that Attwell had completed his check, he insisted that Doku’s challenge should have resulted in a penalty. The former Manchester United player even called the City star a “lucky boy”.
“I think he could be in trouble, I think Doku could be in trouble. I think Doku could be in trouble. Watch the follow through there. I think that’s… well he’s completed the check. I think he’s a lucky, lucky boy,” Neville said while commentating for Sky Sports.
Mike Dean, a former Premier League referee, agreed with Neville. He suggested though that Attwell thought Doku touched the ball, but said the VAR could have asked Oliver to look at the pitchside screen.
“I think he’s touched the ball Doku but with the follow through he’s caught him right in the chest. I think it could be a penalty. It’s a massive decision by the VAR. Tiny touch on the ball, but the follow through’s caught him on the ribcage,” Dean told Sky Sports.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Stuart sent him to the screen. Check’s complete. Obviously played the ball first and the follow through same as I’m guessing a normal coming together. He’s very, very fortunate in my opinion there Doku.”
Liverpool boss Klopp appeared to be left unhappy by some of the decisions Oliver made. After hugging Pep Guardiola at the final whistle, Klopp stormed onto the pitch to confront?
Mac Allister stepped up and fired the spot-kick in to score the equalizer. The midfielder may have been left feeling he should have had another with the last kick of the game, with a draw leaving Liverpool second, behind Arsenal on goal difference.
