Panel backs Mac Allister penalty decision but says Havertz should have seen red

Jeremy Doku's high boot on Alexis Mac Allister deep into stoppage time of Liverpool's 1-1 draw in the top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City continues to divide opinion almost a week and a half later.

Now, the Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel, responsible for reviewing controversial moments in Premier League matches, has upheld referee Michael Oliver's decision not to award a penalty to the Reds at Anfield on 10 March.

Despite widespread criticism and disbelief from players and supporters alike, the panel deemed Doku's challenge as a genuine attempt to play the ball, thus concluding that Mac Allister was not fouled.

"The majority of the panel supported the on-field no penalty decision," read the verdict, as reported in The Times.

"Doku is just about entitled to challenge for the ball, and despite making contact with Mac Allister’s chest, he makes contact with the ball."

Not unanimous

However, the decision was not without controversy. Two panellists felt that a penalty should have been awarded, citing Doku's high foot and clear contact with Mac Allister's chest.

Furthermore, one panellist argued that VAR should have intervened for a clear and obvious error, highlighting the contentious nature of the incident.

In the end, the Reds had to settle for a point, while many, including several former referees, feel that Jurgen Klopp's men ought to have been given a chance to seal the win from the penalty spot.

Havertz dive

In another incident that could have enormous ramifications in the title race, the KMI panel unanimously agreed that Kai Havertz should have been shown a second yellow card for simulation during Arsenal's late victory over Brentford.

The German forward's controversial actions preceded his winning goal, sparking outrage from the West Londoners.

"The panel unanimously agreed the on-field decision was incorrect and Havertz should have been awarded a second caution for a clear act of simulation," stated the panel's conclusion.

The incident, which occurred in the 65th minute of the match, saw Havertz fall in the opposition box in an attempt to win a penalty, despite replays showing no contact between the Arsenal attacker and Brentford defender Nathan Collins.

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank expressed his frustration, asserting that Havertz shouldn't have been on the pitch to score the decisive goal.

Despite the uproar, the matter didn't result in disciplinary action against the referee or the player and Arsenal currently are enjoying the view from the top of the Premier League table, albeit on goal difference.