“Doku’s contact with the ball is definitely there. The ball came first and then the collision happened.”

Liverpool drew 1-1 with Manchester City in the 28th round of the 2023-24 Premier League (PL) held at Anfield in Liverpool, England, at 0:45 a.m. on the 11th. As a result of the match, Arsenal 64 points, which won the 28th round, ranked first, Liverpool ranked second 64 points and Manchester City 63 points ranked third.

The tense match was broken in the 23rd minute of the first half. City scored the first goal when Stones pushed a cross from The Bruyne at the gate while attacking from a corner. Liverpool rushed to the net after the first loss. However, Manchester City failed to find a gap in its solid defense line. In the end, the first half ended with Manchester City leading 1-0.

Liverpool balanced the score. Ake’s back pass to the goalkeeper in the fifth minute of the second half was not properly loaded. Núñez, who seized the opportunity, ran fast and collided with Ederson in the process and fell. The referee immediately declared a penalty kick (PK). McAllister stepped up as a kicker and slotted it into the top left.

Additional time in the second half was given eight minutes. Around 8:01 of extra time, a scene that could have determined the direction of the game appeared. During Liverpool’s corner kick attack, the ball flowed backward, and Doku held his foot high to clear it. In the process, he collided with Mac Allister. Even in the slow motion, Doku’s foot touched Mac Allister’s chest. The VAR system worked. The referee didn’t give any reaction, however. He didn’t give a warning, committed a foul, or even went to see the on-field review. In the end, the game ended 1-1.

This scene could have made Liverpool feel unfair. Doku’s foot was obviously very high. Under soccer rules, VARs can be activated in four situations. Violent threatening fouls are also included in the rule. However, referee Michael Oliver did not regard it as a dangerous foul.

Jurgen Klopp also questioned the referee’s decision. “It was 100 percent PK. This was 100 percent foul and probably a yellow card should be taken. Everyone around me said, “It’s clear.” For every soccer player on the planet, this was PK. It’s PK, but we didn’t get it. But the most important thing for me is that I can play soccer like this. I saw so many amazing performances today,” he said in anger.

However, Howard Webb, president of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), appeared on the “Mic’d Up Show” in the U.K., where he first talked with then-manager Michael Oliver in the VAR room. “The ball was in the center. I think the ball was in the middle and Doku was just trying to touch it. There could have been some contact,” he said.

In response, VAR referee Stuart Atwill said, “There is definitely contact with Doku’s ball. The ball came first and then the collision occurred. Doku owned the ball, it was high. I don’t think there is enough basis for PK. Doku kicked the ball. He definitely touched the ball, and McAllister came into the space.”

After explaining the situation at the time, Webb said, “There is a lot of disagreement. I think the referee completed the confirmation on the spot. You can hear Doku saying the ball is in between. Doku lifted his foot to kick the ball, and it came into contact with the ball. I know there is some contact with Mac Allister. I don’t want to re-judge the game when it’s not clear. I think that’s why VAR is necessary.” 토토사이트 순위