In the closing moments of the match between Liverpool and Manchester City, a potential penalty for the Reds was not awarded.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Stuart Attwell did not find sufficient grounds for a penalty as he deemed Jeremy Doku’s foot placement to be ‘reasonable’.
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During an attempt to clear the ball after a corner, Doku inadvertently struck Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister in the chest and thigh. Prior to the contact, Doku had slightly touched the ball.
It seemed likely that Attwell would instruct referee Michael Oliver to review the incident at the pitchside monitor, especially after the initial penalty appeal by Liverpool was dismissed. However, Attwell decided that the video check was conclusive.
Sky Sports reported that the rationale behind the decision was Attwell’s assessment of Doku’s foot being in a ‘reasonable position’ during his clearance attempt.
This verdict, however, prompted surprise and scrutiny from ex-premier referee Mike Dean.
“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.”
After the match’s conclusion, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp approached referee Michael Oliver to discuss the incident involving Jeremy Doku.
Klopp later affirmed that the conversation was indeed about that specific event. The Liverpool manager was adamant that his team deserved a penalty for the incident, which, if successfully converted, could have secured them the victory.
“Maybe you can ask him, but our opinions aren’t important. Would you have given the penalty in that situation? Isn’t it [VAR] there for just making the right decision and not thinking about how high the bar is to overturn a decision?” Klopp told Sky Sports.
“Anywhere else on the pitch that is a 100% foul, and it’s a yellow card. He hits the ball, and only because his foot is up here, he kicks him. You will find people, like Mike Dean, is he working for Sky?
“Great appointment by the way but he and others will find something and all the others as well. It’s a penalty for all football people on the planet, if you don’t think so, maybe you’re not a football person.”
Jurgen Klopp and Mike Dean were firm in their belief that a penalty was warranted, yet Roy Keane supported VAR Stuart Attwell’s call. Although Keane acknowledged Klopp’s argument, he maintained that Jeremy Doku’s challenge lacked sufficient force to merit a penalty.
Keane told Sky Sports: “I think Klopp makes a good point about how high his foot is, he does get the ball and there’s no force in there at all. I think the officials get the decision right.”
