Liverpool scorer Alexis Mac Allister said his side should have had a “clear” penalty during second-half added time of their 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City on Sunday – and Reds manager Jurgen Klopp called Jeremy Doku’s challenge “100% a foul”.
Subtitute Doku appeared to mistime a high challenge and send a foot into Mac Allister’s upper body with full-time looming in a game which would have sent either team top of the Premier League with victory.
Klopp spoke to referee Michael Oliver after the final whistle, having been bemused to see no further action taken despite a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
“The ref did a very good job throughout the game but he made a mistake with the last decision,” Mac Allister told Sky Sports.
“It’s a clear penalty. I cannot say much more. We wanted more and deserved much more than a point.
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“The performance was very good; in the second half, it was amazing against a team like Man City who play football and do it very well. At the same time, we are gutted because we did not get the three points.”
“For all football people on the planet it’s a penalty!” 😤
Jurgen Klopp says it was the best Liverpool performance EVER against Manchester City in the second half but they should have had a penalty 🔴 PIC.TWITTER.COM/WQ4JQFIOAL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) MARCH 10, 2024
Doku challenge vs Liverpool ‘a foul’
Klopp said he made the decision to approach Oliver because the incident was “worth talking about”.
“This situation, in all positions on the pitch, is 100% a foul and a yellow card,” said the German.
“He hit the ball but if the ball is not there, he kills him. For all football people, it’s a penalty. If you think it is not one, maybe you are not a football person.”
The result drew Liverpool level on points with leaders Arsenal, who have a seven-goal superiority, and kept them a point above reigning champions City.
John Stones scored the 23rd-minute opener but Mac Allister showed his usual impressive coolness to score a penalty five minutes into the second half, deputising from the spot for Mohamed Salah, who started on the bench as the top scorer continues his recovery from injury.
“We have to respect Mo – he’s been taking them for a long time,” said the Argentina international. “When he’s on the pitch, he’s the penalty taker.”
