Steve Nicol has issued his verdict on what Howard Webb has now said about Liverpool not being awarded a penalty against Manchester City after Jeremy Doku caught Alexis Mac Allister.
It is almost easy to forget just how good that game between Jurgen Klopp’s side and the champions was. Liverpool were, of course, involved in yet another bizarre game at the weekend as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United.
The Reds were absolutely superb against City at Anfield. On another day, Luis Diaz could have had a hat-trick. And many associated with Liverpool will feel that they should have had a late penalty.
There was a VAR check in stoppage-time after Alexis Mac Allister was caught in the chest by Jeremy Doku as the pair challenged for a high ball.
Doku surprisingly let the ball bounce initially. And that allowed Mac Allister to make the challenge.
Pundit baffled as Howard Webb defends decision to not give penalty against Jeremy Doku for challenge on Alexis Mac Allister
The Manchester City star appears to get to the ball first. However, his studs also appear to catch the 25-year-old Liverpool player in his chest. Nevertheless, Michael Oliver decided to not give a penalty. And the VAR agreed with his call shortly after.
Howard Webb has now suggested that the VAR should not have overturned Oliver’s call either way given how tight the decision is.
But speaking on ESPN, Steve Nicol has hit out at Webb’s explanation, insisting that there is absolutely no way that Liverpool should have not got a penalty for that incident.
“There was another piece to that which we didn’t see where he says that it’s unfortunate that Doku catches Mac Allister in the chest. I mean, that’s all you need to hear. When was it ever okay, whether he got the ball or not. Listen, does he get the ball first? Yes. But he carries on and sticks his studs into the chest of Mac Allister. It’s just nonsense, it really is,” he said.
Liverpool understandably aggrieved
The use of VAR is going to continue to be a topic of discussion for some time yet. Clearly, the officials are not making enough correct decisions considering the technology that they have.
Liverpool have been punished previously. Certainly, there is no better advert for scrapping VAR than the decision to rule out their legitimate goal against Tottenham this season. And they will feel hard done by by the decision to not penalise Doku. Admittedly, the Reds have had some questionable decisions go for them too, at times.
This season’s Premier League title race is going to come down to the finest margins. And if Liverpool do miss out, their supporters will have every right to feel that a number of the key moments in the season went against them.
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