Jeremy Doku defends the referee’s decision to deny Liverpool’s penalty claim against Manchester City, despite the reckless challenge.
Several City players, as well as PGMOL chairman Howard Webb, defended the decision, attempting to dispute the apparent foul witnessed by everyone.
Doku made a high-boot challenge on Alexis MacAllister, but referee Michael Oliver decided not to award a penalty.
The tightly contested Premier League game had a significant impact on the league, allowing Arsenal to take the lead.
Oliver has drawn criticism for accepting remuneration from Qatar to judge matches in that country, resulting in a conflict of interest.
The well-known referee has come under fire for his decisions, notably in games involving Manchester City, a team owned by Qatar.
Oliver influenced another title-changing Premier League game earlier this season when he refused to dismiss Mateo Kovacic against Arsenal.
Despite receiving a red card for an obviously intentional lunge on Martin Odegaard, Kovacic was able to help Arsenal win 1-0.
Doku defended the referee and VAR’s judgement (h/t Manchester Evening News), but acknowledging that the tackle was reckless. He said:
Jeremy Doku Responses
Of course, I agree. No, that was a risky challenge. I could have handled things differently.
I still believe it was not a penalty, but I know other refs would have given it.
But it was not a penalty, so I was pleased. Was I worried? For a time, they were staring at the VAR, possibly asking for a penalty.
For me, that was not a penalty, but I see why some people are upset and why Liverpool fans believe it was.
Doku’s challenge to Mac Allister: Is it an isolated event or part of a pattern of bad calls against Liverpool?
The match at Anfield ended 1-1 when the referee upheld the last-minute high-boot challenge.
Liverpool has suffered from poor officiating this season, and PGMOL continues to provide ridiculous justifications or worthless apologies.
Liverpool drew three games that had clear handball decisions that should have resulted in penalties.
The matches in question are Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal at Anfield, and Manchester United at Anfield.
Furthermore, the away loss to Tottenham Hotspur resulted in two dubious red cards and the annulment of a legal goal.
Nonetheless, Liverpool continues to compete for the Premier League crown, but many question its current standing if fair refereeing occurred.
The Reds should be several points clear of their opponents with ten games in hand, but this is not the case.
Furthermore, the injury issue and bad scheduling structure are taking a toll as Jurgen Klopp‘s players reach the end of the season.
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