Former Premier League referee explains why VAR made error in not awarding Liverpool penalty vs Man City

A former Premier League referee has explained why VAR was wrong to deny Liverpool a late penalty against Manchester City.

On Sunday at Anfield, with the match at 1-1 deep into stoppage time, City man Jeremy Doku appeared to catch Alexis Mac Allister in the chest with a clumsy challenge.

To Liverpool’s dismay, VAR waved away the appeals after having a look at the replays.

After the match, Jurgen Klopp said of the decision: “[It was] a penalty for all football people. This situation, in all positions on the pitch, is 100 per cent a foul. It's 100 per cent 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. And yes, he hit the ball. But if the ball is not there, he kills him!. That's how it is, it's as easy as that.”

Now, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has also waded in on the debate.

He wrote for Daily Mail: “The ball bounces up. Alexis Mac Allister moves towards it. Jeremy Doku’s foot is high. He catches Mac Allister in the chest.

“Outside of the box, this would have resulted in a free-kick, every day of the week. Just because it happened inside the box does not suddenly transform it into a clean challenge when Mac Allister might be left playing connect the dots on his chest on Monday morning.”

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Clattenburg added: “Regardless of the magnitude of the match and the fact it happened in the 98th minute, this was an incident worthy of a penalty.

“Referee Michael Oliver missed it in real time at the end of an exhausting and exhilarating contest and so it was on VAR Stuart Attwell to intervene.

“Everybody could see this was a penalty for Liverpool. Except VAR, that is, and it is that official's opinion who matters most in this major moments of matches.”

As a result of the draw, Liverpool are now second to Arsenal on goal difference. City remain one point behind in third place.

This is set to be the closest title race in the Premier League’s recent history.