The Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City, which took place at Anfield on Sunday, March 10, 2024, will be remembered for Jeremy Doku’s tackle on Mac Allister.
There have been a lot of opinions from experts in the football world concerning why a penalty was not awarded to Liverpool towards the end of the game. Sky Sports commentator on the match day, Peter Drury, was privy to the conversation between the VAR officials assigned to the match.
According to the officials, Doku was adjudged to have challenged the ball in a “reasonable” position before the Argentine reached the ball. After the VAR check, Sky Sports pundit and former Premier League referee Mike Dean said that the VAR officials believed it was a normal coming together.
“He [Doku] played the ball first, and I’m guessing they’re saying the follow-through is a normal coming together. He is very, very fortunate in my opinion there, Doku.”
What did Jurgen Klopp say about the incident?
The Liverpool manager was left furious after the game during the post-match press conference. According to him, the incident was a foul anywhere outside the penalty box, and a yellow card was to be issued.
“This situation, in all positions on the pitch, is 100 per cent a foul. It’s 100 percent a foul and a yellow card. 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 is 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 game ended 1-1, with both teams sharing the spoils. This result puts Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with ten games remaining, with Liverpool level on 64 points and City one point behind on 63.
