Jeremy Doku avoided conceding a late penalty after a high tackle on Alexis Mac Allister was deemed ‘played in a reasonable position’ by VAR.
Into the eighth minute of added time, Doku’s high tackle caught Mac Allister in the chest, with pundits wary of whether the Manchester City winger would end up in trouble.
The clash ended in a 1-1 draw with title-chargers Arsenal finishing the weekend at the top of the table.
John Stones opened the scoring before a second-half penalty through Argentine midfielder Mac Allister allowed Liverpool a route back into the match.
‘He’s a lucky, lucky boy’ said Gary Neville after the tackle.
The Belgian winger’s high tackle was labelled a ‘karate kick’ by fans online
The winger was brought on in the 69th minute to replace Julian Alvarez
Fans were enraged by the tackle as they believed Liverpool should have had a late penalty
Mac Allister netted the eventual equaliser for Liverpool, though hoped for more at full-time
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Fans were quick to highlight the reckless tackle, with many Liverpool fans hopeful for a late penalty for the hosts.
One user shared an image of a high karate kick with the caption: ‘Doku on MacAllister, VAR: Played the ball’
‘Doku’s just kicked Mac Allister in the chest in the 98th minute, and it’s not been given as a penalty. Disgrace.’ another added.
‘NAH APPARENTLY THE REFS WANT KLOPP TO WIN IT BUT DOKU CAN KARATE KICK IN THE BOX AND ITS NOT A PEN?????’ one posted.
‘That’s a stonewall penalty from Doku on Mac Allister, shocking, shocking, shocking call’ a fourth penned.
Liverpool had equalised early in the second half through Alexis Mac Allister after Darwin Nunez was fouled by Ederson.
Moments after, the shot-stopper was substituted off with an injury, with Stefan Ortega stepping up to replace him from the bench.
Liverpool face Sparta Praha at home on Thursday, while Manchester City host Newcastle in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.