5 Controversial VAR Decisions in Favour of Liverpool After Late Penalty Denied Against Man City

• Liverpool were denied a late penalty in their 1-1 draw against Manchester City
• City star Jeremy Doku planted a high boot into the chest of Alexis Mac Allister
• Jurgen Klopp's men have also been beneficiaries of controversial VAR decisions

Liverpool felt they were cheated after they were denied a penalty in the closing minutes of their 1-1 title race draw against Manchester City at Anfield.

City winger Jeremy Doku planted a high boot into the chest of midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the box. Referee Michael Oliver declined a penalty, and the video assistant referee Stuart Attwell agreed.

Per Sky Sports, the Premier League admitted there have been 20 wrong VAR decisions this season as of February 8 while claiming the technology has improved the accuracy of officials’ decisions by 14%.

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Sports Brief looks at five controversial decisions that have gone in favour of the Merseyside club.

VAR decisions in favour of Liverpool

1. Vs Bournemouth: Szoboszlai’s dive

Dominik Szoboszlai won a penalty that gave Liverpool the lead in their 3-1 win over Bournemouth in August. Referee Thomas Bramall awarded it despite a blatant dive by the Hungarian against Joe Rothwell, and VAR official Paul Tierney failed to order a pitch-side check.

2. Vs Crystal Palace: penalty overturned

Virgil van Dijk fouled Odsonne Edouard, and referee Andrew Madley pointed to the spot. After a lengthy check, which lasted about four minutes from John Brooks, the penalty was overturned as Will Hughes was adjudged to have fouled Wataru Endo.

Per Eurosport, former Reds striker Peter Crouch claimed the referee was not sure there was a foul, but his fellow officials convinced him.

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3. Vs Newcastle: Jota’s dive

Portuguese forward Diogo Jota rounded Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, but instead of playing into an empty net, he fell after being tripped by the goalie. Anthony Taylor awarded a penalty, and VAR official Stuart Attwell confirmed the decision despite the striker taking extra touches after the contact.

4. Vs Chelsea: van Dijk fouls

Chelsea were dismal in their 4-1 loss to Liverpool, but some questionable decisions in crucial moments could have turned the game around. Van Dijk fouled Conor Gallagher with the scores at 0-0 and Christopher Nkunku at 3-1. David Coote waved play-on for both, while VAR Michael Salisbury did not order a check.

5. Vs Nottingham: drop ball incident

Klopp's men secured a dramatic last-minute winner against Nottingham Forest. Ibrahima Konate had a head injury two minutes before the goal, and play was stopped. Paul Tierney failed to give the drop ball back to Forest. Former referee Mike Dean described it as a monumental error.

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4 VAR decisions against Liverpool

Sports Brief analysed four huge VAR decisions against Liverpool this season after they were denied a late winner that could have won them the game against Manchester City.

They are the most hit by wrong calls by the technology this season, including a blatant handball by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard during their 1-1 draw.