10 March 2024 , 18:34
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Gary Neville insisted Liverpool should have been awarded a last-minute penalty against Manchester City.
City were trying to clear from a corner when Jeremy Doku kicked Alexis Mac Allister in the chest and thigh. The Liverpool star immediately fell to the ground, with play continuing around him before eventually going out.
Referee Michael Oliver decided against awarding a spot-kick, though VAR Stuart Attwell did complete a check of the incident. He quickly cleared Doku though, with Oliver then blowing for full-time with the score 1-1.
That was a decision that puzzled Neville, who before hearing Attwell completed his check, insisted that Doku's challenge should see a penalty award. The Manchester United legend branded the City star a "lucky boy".
"I think he could be 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 in commentary for Sky Sports.
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Neville was backed up by former top referee Mike Dean, who added that Doku was fortunate. Dean hinted at his belief that Attwell believed Doku touched the ball, but claimed the VAR should have sent Oliver to 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.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Liverpool have been awarded a last-minute penalty? Comment below.
Klopp was furious Liverpool were not awarded a penalty after Jeremy Doku kicked Alexis Mac Allister"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 Jurgen 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 the referee and his assistants.
Klopp could be seen gesturing to them and pointing towards one of the penalty areas. After a couple of minutes, Klopp retreated to acknowledge his players and their supporters following an impressive performance.
John Stones had given City the lead from a well-worked corner routine, with the defender tapping in Kevin de Bruyne's cross at the near post. The Reds won a penalty soon after the break though when Ederson upended Darwin Nunez.
Mac Allister stepped up and fired the spot-kick in to score the equaliser. 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.
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