Former Premier League official Mike Dean faced criticism from Jurgen Klopp as the Liverpool manager questioned the decision not to award Liverpool a stoppage-time penalty in the team's 1-1 draw with title rivals Manchester City.
Alexis Mac Allister scored from the penalty spot to equalize for the hosts in the 50th minute, after John Stones opened the scoring midway through the first half, and the points were shared at Anfield – leaving Arsenal at the top of the table following their win over Brentford.
The visitors, last year's treble winners, managed to fend off a series of late attacks from Jurgen Klopp's Reds as the clock ran down, with second-half substitute Jeremy Doku hitting the post on Merseyside.
Just moments later, the Belgian was involved in the action once again as he seemed to follow through on Mac Allister's chest inside the box as City defended their goal.
Referee Michael Oliver chose not to award Liverpool their second penalty of the match and nothing was given after a swift VAR check.
However, Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville believed Doku was a 'lucky boy' after reviewing replays of the incident, while ex-Premier League official Dean suggested the City winger was 'very fortunate' not to have been penalized for a foul.
'I can't think he's touched the ball, Doku, and the follow through – he's caught him right in the chest. For me, it could be a penalty,' Dean said.
'It's a major decision by the VAR, he's got a slight touch on the ball with the follow through directly on the ribcage.
'I wouldn't be surprised if Stuart [Attwell] sends Michael Oliver to the screen.'
Once the incident was checked, Dean added: 'The check is complete.
'Obviously he played the ball first and the follow through, I'm guessing, they're saying is a normal coming together.
'He's very, very fortunate in my opinion there, Doku.'
In his post-match interview with Sky Sports' Patrick Davison, a defensive Klopp stated Doku's challenge was '100 percent' a foul before sarcastically congratulating the broadcaster on capturing the services of ex-referee Dean.
Klopp, potentially facing Pep Guardiola for the final time as Liverpool manager, was pleased with Liverpool's 'sensational' performance despite his side not quite doing enough to earn maximum points.
'Sensational. First ten minutes we were in a bit of a rush and Manchester City were directly there,' the German said.
'The second half was the best we ever played against Manchester City, definitely. They hit the post of course but we should have scored two or three goals. Exceptional football game. Wow!
'For me, we proved today the first time 100 percent we are exactly where we should be. We will fight for it and see what we can get.'
Klopp claimed he had never seen City 'struggle' like they did across the 90 minutes.
'I haven't seen them struggling like they did today. We were excellent,' he continued.
'The best result is the performance. We need to continue doing the good things.'
For additional stories similar to this, check our sports page.
.
