Jeremy Doku caught Alexis Mac Allister in the chest in stoppage time at Anfield (Picture: Getty)
Alexis Mac Allister showed his frustration when asked about Jeremy Doku’s challenge at the end of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, claiming it was a ‘clear penalty’ and the referee made a ‘mistake’.
The Argentina midfielder cancelled out John Stones’ opener with a 50th-minute penalty to set up an enticing second half at Anfield, but the two Premier League title rivals could not be separated, ensuring Arsenal held onto top spot.
The game’s most controversial moment arrived deep into stoppage time as second-half substitute Doku – shortly after hitting the post – appeared to follow through on Mac Allister’s chest while City were scrambling to defend their goal.
However, referee Michael Oliver decided against awarding the hosts their second spot-kick of the match and Doku’s challenge went unpunished after a quick VAR check, despite Jurgen Klopp’s protestations on the touchline.
Speaking shortly after the final whistle, the Liverpool head coach blasted the decision, insisting it was the tackle was ‘100 per cent’ a foul, and an irate Mac Allister followed suit as he spoke with the BBC’s Match of the Day 2 programme.
Asked whether he thought a penalty should have been given, Mac Allister replied: ‘Me? Just me? You think it’s just me?
‘I think it’s a clear penalty. I cannot say much more.
‘I think the ref did a very good job throughout the game, but I think he made a mistake in the last decision.’
The Argentine writhed in pain after Doku’s challenge (Picture: Getty)
Match of the Day pundit Shay Given, meanwhile, felt the officials arrived at the correct decision considering Doku had made contact with the ball before catching his opponent in the chest.
‘This is the big moment at the end of the game where Jurgen Klopp and Mac Allister think it’s a stonewall penalty… I actually don’t and I know you two [Mark Chapman and Danny Murphy] are going to disagree with me,’ the ex-Newcastle goalkeeper said.
‘I think he gets the ball and then obviously his foot is high and he gets Mac Allister after that.
‘Now I understand you guys will say, “If that’s anywhere else on the pitch…”, and what have you, but I think Michael Oliver is in a really good position, he’s four or five yards away and he’s watching it. The ball is not head height.’
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In response to Given’s assessment, former Liverpool midfielder Murphy joked, ‘Are you sure that was water in your cup before the show?’, to which the Irishman replied: ‘That’s my opinion.
‘I know a lot of Liverpool fans will be shouting at the TV now that I’m wrong.
‘But I think he’s got a toe on the ball and then obviously he’s hit Mac Allister after.’
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