Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku admits he made a “risky challenge”, defending the referee’s decision that cost Liverpool three points

Jeremy Doku defends the referee’s decision to reject the penalty claim for Liverpool against Manchester City despite the reckless challenge. Several City players and PGMOL chief Howard Webb defended the decision, attempting to contradict the blatant foul that everyone witnessed.

Doku attempted a high-boot challenge that caught Alexis Mac Allister but shockingly referee Michael Oliver decided against giving the penalty. The highly-contested Premier League game had an immense impact on the Premier League as it allowed Arsenal to take the lead.

Oliver has faced criticism for receiving payment from Qatar for refereeing matches in that country, creating a conflict of interest. The highly reputed referee has faced scrutiny for his decision-making, particularly in games involving Man City, a club under Qatari ownership.

Oliver shaped another title-shaping Premier League game earlier this season when he refused to send Mateo Kovacic off against Arsenal. Kovacic survived the red card after making a blatantly malicious lunge on Martin Odegaard though the Gunners won 1-0.

Doku defended the referee and VAR’s decision (h/t Manchester Evening News) despite admitting the recklessness of that tackle. He said:

“Of course, I agree. No, it was a risky challenge. I could have handled it differently. I still think 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 think it was a penalty.”

The challenge from Doku on Mac Allister: An isolated incident or a pattern of bad calls against Liverpool?

The match at Anfield ended 1-1 right after the referee allowed that last-minute high-boot challenge to stand. Liverpool have suffered from poor officiating throughout this season while PGMOL continues to give absurd reasoning or pointless apologies.

Liverpool drew three games that involved a blatant handball decision that should have been the penalties. The games in question are Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal at Anfield and Manchester United at Anfield.

Furthermore, the away loss against Tottenham Hotspur involved two controversial red cards and the cancellation of a legitimate goal. Nevertheless, Liverpool continues to challenge for the Premier League title but many wonder about its current status if fair refereeing happened.

More Liverpool news

• Pundit says Xabi Alonso has already decided if he wants to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
• The star, Harvey Elliott, has heavily hinted at his desire to continue with Liverpool beyond Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
• Virgil van Dijk understands there will be tears when Klopp puts the curtain down, but he is also ready for a few more shouts.

The Reds should be several points ahead of their rivals with 10 games in hand but that is not the case. Furthermore, the injury crisis and poor scheduling structure are taking more toll as Jurgen Klopp’s men reach the final stages of the season