Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expects a typical excuse for the referee from their representatives over another obvious penalty not given
Jurgen Klopp claimed that the referee typically shrugged off the obvious penalty for Liverpool that he did not give. Liverpool drew 1-1 with Manchester City in the Premier League clash at Anfield, impacting the title race.
Due to the result, Arsenal are now at the top of the Premier League table due to the better goal difference. They beat Brentford on Saturday through a Kai Havertz winner after he controversially survived a second yellow card for diving.
Man City started the first half with better chances and eventually converted a clever corner in the 23rd minute. However, Liverpool dominated the second half, earning a penalty in the 47th minute when Ederson fouled Darwin Nunez recklessly.
Alexis Mac Allister converted the penalty to take the scoreline to 1-1 and the Reds started to take charge. The Citizens’ threat in counter-attack remained perennially but Liverpool dictated the game as the better team, creating better opportunities.
During the dying moments of the game, Jeremy Doku attempted to snatch the ball before Mac Allister but fouled him. Referee Michael Oliver shockingly ignored the high boot tackle while VAR checked the incident until they agreed with the on-field decision.
The baffling incident received criticism from the footballing world on social media and has the potential for severe consequences. The match immediately ended 1-1 with both title contenders dropping two points as Arsenal secured the top position.
Speaking to BBC MOTD, Klopp insisted that the foul 100% deserved a penalty which could have secured three points. He said:
“It was 100% penalty. They will find an explanation. It was 100% foul in all areas of the pitch and probably a yellow card. All the people with ipads around me were ‘wow, clear’. Maybe they can hide behind the phrase it is not clear and obvious. It is of course a penalty but we didn’t get it and that is fine. The most important thing for me is that we can play football like that. I saw so many sensational performances today.”
Liverpool have suffered from poor officiating throughout this season with people rightfully questioning the integrity of match officials. The Reds have suffered three handballs in three draws against Chelsea away, Arsenal and Manchester United at home.
"It was 100% a penalty!"
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 10, 2024
Do you agree with Jurgen Klopp? #BBCFootball #PL #LIVMCI pic.twitter.com/ZMQQ98K2d6
Liverpool suffered the joint-most red cards (5) in the Premier League, the challenges that referees shrugged off in other cases. In this very game, Kyle Walker made a high-ground tackle with studs showing on Mohamed Salah despite minimum contact.
More Liverpool News
- Liverpool superstar reveals his future plans amidst Jurgen Klopp exit
- Liverpool ace reveals his pearls of wisdom regarding how budding talents need to be dealt with
- Liverpool will battle European giants for Premier League left-back in the transfer window
The away game against Tottenham Hotspur which is one of the two losses for the Reds, involved numerous controversial decisions. The game is infamous for disallowing a legitimate goal from Luis Diaz that had serious implications for the final result.
Liverpool fans are proud of the way Klopp’s men have fought despite several adversities like the injury crisis. However, there is a seriously bitter and unfair treatment from match officials that has cost several points.
