PGMOL has explained the reason why Liverpool were not awarded a penalty against Manchester City last night
In the dramatic showdown between Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League, a pivotal moment occurred in the dying seconds of the game, as Liverpool’s fervent pursuit of a penalty was left unfulfilled. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has since stepped forward to shed light on the contentious decision.
With both teams vying for supremacy in the championship race, Liverpool found themselves on the brink of a breakthrough against Pep Guardiola’s formidable Manchester City side. The opportunity to secure a crucial victory and claim three valuable points hung tantalizingly in the balance.
However, the final outcome saw the spoils shared at Anfield. After Alexis Mac Allister successfully converted a penalty in the second half to level the score following John Stones’ earlier goal, Liverpool dominated proceedings in the latter stages, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
As the clock ticked towards the conclusion of stoppage time, Liverpool’s hopes were reignited when a potential penalty incident unfolded. Amidst a flurry of controversy, an extensive Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review was conducted following an incident where Mac Allister was seemingly struck by Jérémy Doku’s raised boot.
After deliberation, VAR official Stuart Atwell ultimately opted to support the on-field decision made by referee Michael Oliver, much to the dismay of Liverpool and their passionate supporters. Manager Jürgen Klopp’s impassioned confrontation with the referee at the final whistle underscored the frustration felt by the home team.
The explanation provided by PGMOL referenced VAR’s determination that Doku had made contact with the ball, thereby justifying their decision to deny Liverpool a penalty.
In contrast, former referee Mike Dean, offering his insights as part of Sky Sports’ commentary team, highlighted the contentious nature of the incident, suggesting that Doku had been fortunate to evade punishment. Dean emphasized the significance of the VAR’s decision, suggesting that a trip to the pitchside monitor wouldn’t have been unwarranted given the severity of the incident.
Despite the heated debate surrounding the penalty controversy, the match itself showcased the prowess of both teams, with moments of skill and intensity defining the encounter. While Liverpool asserted their dominance in the second half, Manchester City’s strong showing in the opening period ensured that a draw emerged as a fair outcome, albeit amidst lingering controversy and debate.