Kyle Walker has praised Michael Oliver for his decision not to award Liverpool a last-minute penalty during their match against Man City.
In the Premier League match, which was tied at 1-1 and nearing the end of added time, there was a clash between Jeremy Doku and Alexis Mac Allister in the area as Doku attempted to clear the ball.
The winger managed to make contact with the ball, but his raised boot made contact with the Argentinian, who fell inside the box.
Despite protests from Liverpool, Oliver allowed play to continue, and the VAR controversially upheld his decision, deeming that it was not a clear and obvious error.
Walker outrageous claims about Oliver
While there were differing opinions, Walker has stepped forward to suggest that Oliver ‘did really, really well’ considering the circumstances.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Walker said: ‘My view is the referee and VAR made a decision. I feel the ref [Michael Oliver] did really, really well.
‘I feel once you have Anfield and the crowd behind them, he could’ve crumbled, but that shows his experience, character, and that’s why he’s regarded as one of the best referees in this country and the world.’
Many disagreed with Walker‘s perspective, including Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who expressed his displeasure with the decision. Klopp confronted referee Oliver at the full-time whistle, stating, ‘It was 100 per cent penalty. They will find an explanation.
It was 100 per cent foul in all areas of the pitch and probably a yellow card. All the people with iPads around me were ‘wow, clear.’ Maybe they can hide behind the phrase it is not clear and obvious.
It is, of course, a penalty, but we didn’t get it, and that is fine. The most important thing for me is that we can play football like that.’
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister supported Klopp’s view, saying, ‘We wanted more, and I think we deserved much more than a point. I think the performance was very good, the second half was amazing, so very proud in that sense, but gutted that we didn’t get the three points.’
When questioned about a potential late penalty, Mac Allister responded, ‘You think it’s just me? I think it’s a clear penalty. I cannot say much more; I think the referee did a good job throughout the game, but I think he made a mistake in the last decision.’
