Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister praises the referee but insists that he got the late-penalty decision wrong against Manchester City
Alexis Mac Allister assertively stated that the high-boot foul from Jeremy Doku was a stonewall Liverpool penalty that the referee got wrong. The Reds played Man City for a 1-1 draw in the Premier League clash that has the title race consequences.
The Citizens took an early lead in the first half with a clever corner kick goal from John Stones. The evenly-fought first half had more chances for the visitors, restricting the host and taking the 1-0 scoreline to halftime.
The Reds fought back brilliantly in the second half, dominating the overall game and creating several chances to score goals. Darwin Nunez earned a penalty in the 47th minute after a malicious foul from Ederson who received a yellow card.
Mac Allister converted the penalty to take the scoreline to 1-1 as Liverpool continued to get the better of City. During the final moments of the game, the 25-year-old rushed inside the City’s box to chest the bouncing ball. However, Man City’s winger Doku opted to raise his foot recklessly and caught Mac Allister in the chest.
Referee Michael Oliver shockingly shrugged off the challenge and VAR concurred with the on-field decision, baffling many neutrals and pundits. Typically, many media personnel defended the referee despite the blatant inconsistencies in decisions that cost Liverpool more important points.
Speaking to BBC after the match, Mac Allister asserted that the high-boot foul on him was a stonewall penalty. He said:
“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.”
Liverpool have suffered from inconsistencies in refereeing decisions throughout this season, hampering their title chase while they face highly resourceful rivals. Despite the quality of the opposition and the severe injury crisis, poor officiating has been their biggest challenge this season.
"From my point of view, it's easy to give the penalty"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 11, 2024
Dermot Gallagher on whether Liverpool should have a got a penalty when Jeremy Doku connected with Alexis Mac Allister inside the box pic.twitter.com/sSW2M95txR
The Reds faced numerous controversial decisions including VAR disallowing a legitimate goal in the Premier League loss against Tottenham Hotspur. They suffered joint-most red cards (5) in the Premier League for the tackles that officials shrugged off in other cases.
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Liverpool fans hope that these dropped points will not be the deciding factors in the end as 10 games remain. Mac Allister has continued his brilliant form, playing a pivotal role for the Reds while building a formidable partnership with Wataru Endo.
