Why VAR was right not to award Liverpool a penalty vs Man City after Jeremy Doku challenge

Liverpool have been told that VAR was right not to award them a late penalty after Alexis Mac Allister looked to have been fouled by Manchester City's Jeremy Doku because its remit is too limited to overturn the on-field decision.

The Reds suffered the controversial moment at the end of a thrilling match in the race for the Premier League title. Deep into stoppage time, City winger Doku appeared to catch Mac Allister high on his chest.

Referee Michael Oliver gave a corner but it was checked by VAR who decided that Doku had won the ball. After the match, Jurgen Klopp claimed all football fans knew it was a penalty but former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher explained on Sky Sports' Ref Watch why VAR was right not to overturn the decision.

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"I think from my point of view it is easy to give it. If you give it, there will be some argument but I don’t think we will be talking about this much," he said.

"Doku gets the ball, there is no doubt about that, he then gets Mac Allister. The argument is does getting the ball negate a penalty. Well, no.

"Michael Oliver fed back to the VAR that he is convinced Doku gets the ball, he is right, VAR takes a look to check he is right and decides to go with the referee on-field." When asked whether the call would have been overturned if Oliver had given a penalty on the pitch, Gallagher added: "I think on this decision it was always going to be the referee’s call.

"Whatever the referee gives there you’ll back him because if he doesn’t give the penalty the argument is that he played the ball first. If he gives the penalty, he will say his boot is high and stud marks on his chest.