Steve Nicol has commented on Howard Webb’s recent statements regarding the absence of a penalty awarded to Liverpool during their match against Manchester City, wherein Jeremy Doku’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister went unpenalized. The match, a display of exceptional quality between Jurgen Klopp’s team and the reigning champions, showcased Liverpool’s prowess, despite their subsequent elimination from the FA Cup by Manchester United. In the encounter with City, Liverpool exhibited outstanding performance, with opportunities such as Luis Diaz’s potential hat-trick. However, the absence of a late penalty call left many within the Liverpool camp feeling aggrieved. During stoppage time, a VAR review was initiated following a challenge where Doku made contact with Mac Allister’s chest as they contested for a high ball. Notably, Doku’s initial decision to allow the ball to bounce contributed to the subsequent challenge by Mac Allister.
Pundits are puzzled as Howard Webb defends his decision not to award a penalty after Jeremy Doku’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister
The Manchester City player seems to have reached the ball before his Liverpool counterpart, but his studs also appear to have made contact with the 25-year-old Liverpool player’s chest. Despite this, referee Michael Oliver opted not to award a penalty, a decision supported by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) shortly thereafter.
Former referee Howard Webb has suggested that the VAR should not have intervened to overturn Oliver’s decision, given the tight nature of the decision.
However, Steve Nicol, speaking on ESPN, strongly criticized Webb’s rationale, asserting that Liverpool should have unquestionably been awarded a penalty for the incident.
“In addition,” Nicol remarked, “Webb mentions that it’s unfortunate that Doku makes contact with Mac Allister’s chest. That statement alone suffices. Regardless of whether he made contact with the ball, it’s unacceptable. Yes, he may have touched the ball first, but then he continues and thrusts his studs into Mac Allister’s chest. It’s absurd, truly.”
Liverpool understandably aggrieved
The utilization of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) remains a subject of prolonged deliberation. Evidently, there exists a shortfall in the accuracy of officiating despite the incorporation of advanced technology.
Liverpool Football Club has encountered reprimands on prior occasions. The disallowance of their legitimate goal against Tottenham this season serves as a compelling argument advocating the elimination of VAR. Furthermore, Liverpool’s sense of injustice is exacerbated by the decision to refrain from penalizing Doku. It is acknowledged that Liverpool has benefited from contentious decisions on occasions.
The outcome of this season’s Premier League title race hinges on minute differentials. Should Liverpool fall short, their supporters will justifiably perceive several pivotal moments throughout the season as being disadvantageous to their team.