Liverpool’s Klopp blasts ref for denying late City penalty

Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool were denied a clear penalty and asked what VAR official Stuart Attwell had “for lunch” after Alexis Mac Allister was subjected to a chest-high challenge in the 99th minute by Manchester City's Jérémy Doku in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Mac Allister's second-half penalty, following a foul by City goalkeeper Éderson on Darwin Núñez, earned Liverpool a point after John Stones had given the champions a first-half lead.

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But Liverpool might have had the chance to win the match right into stoppage time if referee Michael Oliver had been asked by VAR manager Attwell to review Doku's challenge.

The incident was assessed by Attwell and assistant VAR Nick Hopton, but Oliver was not sent to the pitchside monitor to make the final decision.

“Why would the guy in the VAR room think it’s not clear and obvious?” » said Klopp. “What did he eat for lunch?”

“It was a 100 percent penalty. They [officials] will find an explanation. It was a 100% foul in all areas of the pitch and probably a yellow card.

“Someone tell me it wasn't a penalty, or Howard [Webb, head of Professional Game Match Officials Ltd.] he will call me tomorrow and tell me he is sorry. These are both possible outcomes and both things will not change the outcome.

“Everyone around me who had an iPad was like, 'Wow, that's clear.' Maybe they can hide behind the phrase 'it's not clear and obvious.'

“It's of course a penalty but we didn't get it and that's great. The most important thing for me is that we can play football like this. I saw so many sensational performances today. “

This draw puts Liverpool one point ahead of City, but one point behind leader Arsenal in the title race. City face Arsenal at the Etihad on March 31.

Given the absence of a number of key players due to injury, Klopp was full of praise for his side for winning the tie at Anfield.

“Sensational,” Klopp said. “The first 10 minutes we were a bit in a hurry and Manchester City were straight there. The second half was without a doubt the best we have ever played against City.

“They hit the post of course but we should have scored two or three goals. Exceptional football match. Wow!

“For me, we proved today for the first time 100 percent that we are exactly where we should be. We are going to fight for that and see what we can get.

“I don't think I saw them [City] in difficulty as they were today. We were exceptional.

“The mother of all results is performance: the good things we have to keep doing.”

City remain in search of a second consecutive treble after avoiding defeat at Anfield, but manager Pep Guardiola said his side must survive a “tsunami” to earn a point.

“We must never forget when we play in this stadium, otherwise we have no chance, knowing it will be so difficult,” Guardiola said.

“We knew we would have 10 to 15 minutes in the event of a tsunami and that we had to survive.

“It was a close game at times. Not a game where one team controls it all the time.

“A lot of credit goes to Liverpool. They proved once again that what they did is incredible for this rivalry. I know how difficult it is to come here and win.

“The players gave everything. I give credit to the opponents and I take the point.”