“It’s a Penalty” — Mike Dean reacts to Liverpool being robbed

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has weighed in on a contentious late incident during Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, suggesting that Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku was “very fortunate” not to concede a penalty.

The incident occurred in the dying moments of the highly anticipated clash at Anfield, as Doku appeared to make contact with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister in the chest. Despite fervent appeals from Liverpool players, referee Michael Oliver opted to wave away the protests, a decision that was subsequently upheld by VAR.

Speaking about the incident, Dean expressed his belief that Doku’s challenge on Mac Allister warranted closer scrutiny. He remarked that upon initial viewing, it seemed as though Doku failed to make contact with the ball and instead collided with his opponent’s chest.

Dean asserted, “For me, it could be a penalty. It’s a massive decision by the VAR, he’s got a tiny touch on the ball with the follow-through full on the ribcage.”

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville echoed Dean’s sentiments, labeling Doku as a “lucky boy” as he analyzed replays of the incident on Sky Sports.

Dean’s assessment of the incident adds to the ongoing debate surrounding VAR decisions in Premier League matches.

He suggested that the severity of the challenge and the subsequent VAR review warranted a closer examination, hinting that referee Michael Oliver might have been encouraged to reassess the incident through the use of the pitchside monitor.