Manchester City’s defender, Kyle Walker, has come out in strong support of referee Michael Oliver’s handling of a contentious penalty decision in the recent 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield. The Premier League clash, which could be the last time Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool goes head-to-head with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, was not without its share of drama, culminating in a divisive VAR call as the match neared its end.
The incident in question unfolded deep into the game’s stoppage time when Jeremy Doku’s boot met Alexis Mac Allister’s chest in the penalty area. The high-stakes moment put the referee’s decision-making skills to the test. Walker’s commendation of Oliver’s “character” in such a high-pressure scenario reflects his belief in the referee’s integrity and judgment despite the heated atmosphere and the significant implications of the match outcome.
This particular match, teeming with tension and rivalry, was further intensified by the late-game penalty situation. Fans from both sides were left in a state of suspense as they awaited the referee’s call. Walker’s subsequent defense of Oliver’s decision-making highlights the complexities and challenges referees face in making split-second decisions that can alter the course of a game and, potentially, the season for the teams involved.
“It’s probably not up for me to say if I do think it’s a pen,” Walker told Sky Sports.
Referee Michael Oliver waved away Liverpool’s appeals for a penalty, a decision supported by VAR Stuart Attwell, who insisted that Doku had made contact with the ball first and that the challenge wasn’t dangerous enough to warrant a penalty.
“If I say it’s not a pen, headlines; if I say it is a pen, it’s headlines. So I think the VAR has checked it, the ref’s done it – that’s all I’m going to say on that,” Walker added.
Despite Oliver awarding Liverpool a penalty earlier in the first half, Walker commended the referee and VAR for their handling of the intense atmosphere at Anfield.
ONE OF THE “BEST REFEREES”
He said: “I feel that the ref did really, really well. I feel once you have Anfield and the crowd behind him, he could have crumbled there.”
“That shows his experience, that shows his character and that’s why he’s regarded as one of probably the best referees in this country and in the world at the minute.”
The rapid VAR check, which took only 20 seconds, confirmed Oliver’s initial decision, igniting controversy and debate among fans and experts. This was particularly contentious due to the referee not reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.