Jeremy Doku speaks up against the Alexis Mac Allister penalty controversy during Liverpool vs. Manchester City. “Some other refs.”

Winger for Manchester City Jeremy Doku has spoken on his contentious chest-high challenge on Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool during their Premier League match earlier this month. He says it “wasn’t a penalty,” but he also acknowledges that “it was risky.”

Deep into stoppage time, Doku’s studs made contact with Mac Allister’s chest in the penalty area, but referee Michael Oliver did not call a foul. Doku was not given a penalty after a VAR check, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

But many commentators, including Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, thought it was “100% a foul.” PGMOL’s chief referee, Howard Webb, stated that the VAR made the proper judgement in not overturning the outcome.

“Of course I agree,” Doku smiled when asked about the VAR decision. “It was a risky challenge. I could have dealt with it differently. I still believe it wasn’t a penalty but I know some other referees would have given it.

“But it wasn’t a penalty so I was a happy. Was I worried? For a moment when they were looking at the VAR and maybe looking for a penalty. For me it wasn’t a penalty, but I understand why some people are angry and why the Liverpool fans believe it was a penalty.”

Klopp was adamant that Doku, who will be playing for Belgium against England in a friendly match at Wembley on Tuesday night, committed a foul.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: “This is a penalty for all football people on the planet. If you think it is not one then maybe you aren’t a football person.”