Clattenburg disagrees with Dean: Slams VAR after Liverpool denied penalty

In a recent revelation, ex-Premier League official Mark Clattenburg weighed in on a controversial moment from the Liverpool-Manchester City match, stating that Liverpool should have indeed been awarded a penalty in the dying moments of the game.

The incident in question occurred in the 98th minute when Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister was brought down in the penalty area by Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku. Despite Doku’s contact with the ball, his follow-through into Mac Allister raised questions. Mac Allister’s immediate reaction, clutching his chest area, sparked a debate over the decision not to award a penalty to Liverpool in a crucial juncture of the 1-1 draw.

Referee Michael Oliver was the man in charge, with Stuart Attwell serving as the VAR official in the closely-watched match between the titans.

Despite several appeals for a penalty from Liverpool in the final moments of the game, particularly concerning an incident involving Alexis Mac Allister and Jeremy Doku, the appeals were dismissed by Oliver, and the VAR official, Atwell, chose not to overturn the decision, citing no clear and obvious error.

This decision has sparked discussions and analyses within the football community, with Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, expressing his belief that his team was unjustly denied a clear penalty. The decision-making in this match, especially the role of VAR, continues to be a significant talking point following the 1-1 draw​.

Dean told Sky Sports: “I think he’s touched the ball Doku but with the follow through he’s caught him right in the chest. I think it could be a penalty. It’s a massive decision by the VAR. Tiny touch on the ball, but the follow through has caught him on the ribcage.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Stuart sent him to the screen. Check’s complete. Obviously played the ball first and the follow through same as I’m guessing a normal coming together. He’s very, very fortunate in my opinion there Doku.”

Mark Clattenburg, now a referees’ consultant for Nottingham Forest, is of the opinion that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty, criticizing both the on-field officials and the VAR system for missing what he considers a clear error.

Clattenburg’s insights add to the ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and consistency of VAR and refereeing in the Premier League. His experience and perspective as a former Premier League referee bring a notable dimension to the debate.

Speaking in his Daily Mail column, Clattenburg said: “Liverpool should have been awarded a stoppage-time penalty against Manchester City but this is the problem in the Premier League right now – referees are making mistakes in matches and not being helped by their VARs.”

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