The Reason VAR Did Not Award Liverpool Late Penalty vs Man City

John Stones’ opening goal from a clever City corner routine was cancelled out early in the second half by Mac Allister’s strike from 12 yards after Ederson clattered Darwin Nunez in the penalty area following Nathan Ake’s under-hit back pass.

Momentum was on the hosts’ side as the Anfield crowd grew in voice during the second 45 minutes, although some wasteful finishing from the tireless Luis Diaz would prove costly on the day. One of the biggest talking points, however, came with the non-award of the last-minute penalty, with many Liverpool supporters voicing their frustrations after the game.

Jurgen Klopp was adamant his side should have been awarded the penalty, telling Sky Sports:

“It’s a penalty for all football people. It’s a penalty for football people, if you think it’s not one then maybe you’re not a football fan.”

VAR’s Decision Explained
The Decision Has Sparked Huge Debate

The reason provided to viewers watching the game on Sky Sports was delivered by commentator Peter Drury, who was able to hear the discussions between the VAR officials. Drury explained that the reason for the appeals being waved away was that the Manchester City winger had challenged for the ball at a ‘reasonable’ height.

The reason provided to viewers watching the game on Sky Sports was delivered by commentator Peter Drury, who was able to hear the discussions between the VAR officials. Drury explained that the reason for the appeals being waved away was that the Manchester City winger had challenged for the ball at a ‘reasonable’ height.
Sky Sports News have now revealed that VAR didn’t award the penalty because it was deemed that Doku had played the ball. Replays showed that there appeared to be slight contact on the ball from the Citizens’ player’s boot, although it was unclear if Doku would still be penalised for committing a dangerous challenge.

Ultimately, VAR sided with Michael Oliver’s on-field decision, and the two title challengers settled for a point apiece in an exhilarating clash at Anfield during Klopp’s final Premier League encounter with Pep Guardiola.

While the VAR check was ongoing, the Sky Sports commentary team brought in ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean to give his thoughts on what the outcome would be. Dean seemed to view the incident differently to the officials on the day.

While fans at home were waiting for the decision, Dean told Drury and Gary Neville: “It is a massive decision for the VAR. He got a tiny touch on the ball, but the follow-through caught him full in the rib cage. I wouldn’t be surprised if they sent the referee to the screen.”

Once the news filtered through that the check was complete and Liverpool wouldn’t be handed their second spot kick of the match, the 55-year-old added:

He played the ball first and I am guessing they’re saying the follow-through is a normal coming together. He is very, very fortunate in my opinion there, Doku.

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Calum is a writer for GiveMeSport with a particular focus on Premier League football. Having taken part in the GiveMeSport Academy in early 2023, Calum joined the team as a freelance writer in June of the same year. This came shortly after completing a Freelance Journalism course remotely through the British College of Journalism.

Having previously produced news content for HITC Sport, he now provides similar timely news articles for GMS as well as longer-form Evergreen content.

His passion for sport does extend further than football as he has covered several sports for GMS, including UFC, Tennis and Wrestling, although the beautiful game is where his love of sport stems from.