Following Alexis Mac Allister’s chest-high challenge from Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku in the 99th minute of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp remarked that Liverpool were denied a straightforward penalty and questioned what VAR official Stuart Attwell had “for lunch”.
Champions John Stones had given them the lead at the break, but Liverpool rallied for a point through a penalty kick from Mac Allister in the second half after City keeper Éderson had fouled Darwin Núñez.
Referee Michael Oliver might have had the opportunity to grant Liverpool a victory long into stoppage time, though, if VAR official Attwell had requested that he assess Doku’s challenge.
Attwell and assistant VAR Nick Hopton evaluated the event, but Oliver was not sent to the pitchside monitor to make the ultimate determination.
“Why would the guy in the VAR room think that’s not clear and obvious?” stated Klopp. “What did he have for lunch?”
“It was definitely a fine. The authorities will discover a reason. Everywhere on the field, it was a complete foul, and there was most likely a yellow card given.
“I’ll hear from someone explaining that it wasn’t a penalty, or Howard [Webb, CEO of Professional Game Match Officials Ltd.] will apologize over the phone tomorrow. These are the two conceivable possibilities, and none of them will affect the outcome.
“Everyone around me who had an iPad exclaimed, ‘Wow, clear.'” Perhaps by using the words “it’s not clear and obvious,” they can remain hidden.
Of course there is a penalty, but it’s okay that we didn’t receive it. For me, the fact that we can play football that way is the most essential thing. I witnessed so many incredible performances today.”
Liverpool remains one point ahead of City in the title battle, but one point behind leaders Arsenal, thanks to the draw. On March 31, City takes on Arsenal at the Etihad.
Despite the loss of several important players due to injuries, Klopp showered his squad with praise for securing the draw at Anfield.
“Sensational,” according to Klopp. “Manchester City was right there, and for the first ten minutes we were a little rushed. Without a doubt, we played our best game versus City in the second half.
Naturally, they struck the post, but we ought to have scored two or three goals. Fantastic football match. Whoa!
“In my opinion, we demonstrated today that we are exactly where we should be for the first time. We’ll put up a struggle to get what we want.
“I doubt I’ve ever witnessed City’s struggles as great as they did today. We did a fantastic job.
“The mother of all results is the performance: the good things we have to keep doing.”
After winning at Anfield, City is still in the running for a second straight treble. However, manager Pep Guardiola stated that his team needed to weather a “tsunami” in order to get a point.
“We have to never ever forget when we play in this stadium, otherwise we don’t have a chance, knowing it will be so difficult,” Guardiola stated.
“We were aware that we would only have ten to fifteen minutes to escape the tsunami and stay alive.
“There were close moments in the game. Not a game in which one team always has the upper hand.
“Many congratulations to Liverpool. They once again demonstrated how amazing their actions have been throughout this rivalry. I am aware of how challenging it is to succeed here.
“Everything was given by the players. I accept the point and give the opposition credit.”
