Man City star, Jeremy Doku, has opened up about the anger that has come his way from Liverpool fans after the recent 1-1 draw between the two clubs at Anfield.
Although a draw wasn't seen as a terrible result for either side, Liverpool felt like they were denied a penalty in the dying minute when Doku challenged Alexis Mac Allister in the box for a bouncing ball. Michael Oliver and VAR alleged that the challenge wasn't strong enough for a penalty but replays left Liverpool fans reeling.
After the match, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was left reeling by the decision with the German saying: “In all positions on the pitch, it's 100 per cent a foul and it’s a yellow card. For all football people, it’s a penalty.”
Audio released by PGMOL of the VAR discussion around the incident revealed that the officials believed both players came in high for the ball and that there wasn't enough contact for a penalty. PGMOL chief, Howard Webb, has since come out and backed the on-field decision and now the man at the centre of the incident has had his say.
Doku admits to “risky” challenge during Liverpool vs Man City
Speaking before Belgium's match with England at Wembley tonight, the winger said:
“It was a risky challenge. I could have dealt with it differently. I still believe it wasn't a penalty but I know some other referees would have given it. But it wasn't a penalty so I was happy. Was I worried? For a moment when they were looking at the VAR and maybe looking for a penalty.
“For me, it wasn't a penalty, but I understand why some people are angry and why the Liverpool fans believe it was a penalty.”
Jeremy Doku on the Alexis Mac Allister incident: “Of course I agree [with the VAR decision]. It was risky. I could have handled it differently. I still think it wasn't a penalty but I know some referees would've given it. But it wasn't a penalty so I was happy…”
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) March 25, 2024
War of words rumbles on
The comments from Doku are the latest instalment in a battle of verbals between players from Man City and Liverpool as the title race heats up. Earlier this month, Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold claimed that Liverpool's success “means more” than Man City's due to how they have gone about achieving it.
This prompted a flurry of responses from Man City players, including Erling Haalnd, who claimed that the Liverpool defender wouldn't know how their success feels because Liverpool have never won the treble.