10 days ago, Liverpool and Manchester City met at Anfield in the 28th round of the Premier League. A top-notch, exciting match and ended in a 1-1 draw.
But the match also left a void with controversy in the final minutes of extra time. That was Jeremy Doku's high-legged ball against Alexis Mac Allister.
The Liverpool player was caught by a web and fell in the penalty area, however, referee Micharl Oliver did not award a penalty. Even when VAR checked, the decision did not change.
That decision was met with strong reactions from coach Jurgen Klopp (after the match) as well as Liverpool fans.
If Liverpool do not win this season, many will believe that the decision of referee Oliver and the person in charge of the VAR room, Stuart Attwell, is a turning point moment.
The dialogue between the two men was published, in which Oliver said: "No, I don't think it was your fault. The ball in the middle. I think the ball was in the middle and he just tried to play, there could be a collision.
And Attwell also agreed: There was clear contact with Dokus ball. okay, the ball was there and then they crashed in together. He plays football, football high, both are high.
I don't think there is enough evidence for a penalty. He plays football. He definitely touched it, Mac Allister then walked into his space. Mac Allister turned his back, both rushed in.
10 days after the incident, Premier League referee head Howard Webb joined the commentary program to evaluate the controversial decisions in some matches.
Regarding the Liverpool - Man City match, he said that Oliver and Attwell were correct, although he admitted that there was a division of views.
There are many different opinions, right?, Mr. Webb said, This ball is one of them - if the referee makes a decision on the pitch, it will be a complete check by VAR.
Similarly, if it is not given, it is also a 'completion check'. You heard Michael Oliver say the ball was between two players acting together.
The ball was too low to head. Doku picked up his leg to touch the ball and he touched it.
And yet, we know, there is contact. Mac Allister rushed towards him. Mac Allister doesn't really play football either. So I understand why there are divided opinions."
He also added why VAR stands on the sidelines: I think no matter what, it has been 'checked and completed. Do not want to re-intermediate the referee's decision in situations that are not really clear.
VAR is on the sidelines. I think that is what we expected. Sometimes you don't have enough information and you want that assurance at important moments.
Obviously, Michael [Oliver] did not have it in this situation. After that, VAR reviewed and did not see any clear and obvious situations.
You find something quite subjective so you don't care about it. The response we received from the players in the match was that this was a fairly subjective situation. These are conflicting opinions.
Therefore, on that basis, VAR, operating at that high level, has followed a correct direction of not participating.
The draw caused Liverpool to lose the top spot to Arsenal (the underdog), while Man City were 1 point behind their two opponents.
