PGMOL release transcript of VAR communication between Michael Oliver, VAR (Stuart Attwell) and assistant VAR (Nick Hopton) for Doku-Mac Allister challenge – VAR: “Checking possible penalty.”…

The transcript of the VAR communication for the Doku-Mac Allister challenge has been released by PGMOL. It reveals the conversation between Michael Oliver, VAR (Stuart Attwell), and assistant VAR (Nick Hopton) during the incident in Liverpool’s match against Man City.

Referee: “No, I don’t think it’s a penalty.”

VAR: “Checking for a possible penalty.”

Referee: “I believe the ball is in the middle and Doku is just trying to play it. There might be some contact.”

VAR: “There is clear contact on the ball by Doku. Yes, he plays the ball and they both come in high. I don’t think there is enough evidence for a penalty kick. He plays the ball.”

Assistant VAR: “Are you certain he plays it?”

VAR: “He definitely touches it. Mac Allister then enters his space. Mac Allister turns his back to him. It’s a coming together.”

Here is Howard Webb attempting to clarify that ruling.

Liverpool’s penalty shout denied against Man City

Incident: Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Man City’s Jeremy Doku involved in a challenge late in the game at Anfield. Doku’s raised boot appears to make contact with Mac Allister’s chest while potentially playing the ball.

What the officials did: Referee Michael Oliver opts not to give a penalty. VAR officials Stuart Attwell and Nick Hopton do not intervene to overturn Oliver’s decision or prompt a review.

Match Officials Mic’d Up: The reason behind Liverpool’s penalty appeal being turned down against Man City

Listen to the audio from the VAR team during the incident involving Jeremy Doku and Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield.

Incident: During the match at Anfield, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku compete for the ball. Doku goes in with a raised boot, appearing to make contact with Mac Allister’s chest while possibly also clearing the ball.

Actions of match officials: Referee Michael Oliver does not award a penalty. VAR officials Stuart Attwell and Nick Hopton do not overturn Oliver’s decision or prompt him to review it.

Owen: “Did you believe that was a penalty or not? Initially, I thought it wasn’t. Upon further review, I’m leaning towards it being one, but I’m still undecided.”

Webb: “Indeed. Many have differing opinions on this incident, haven’t they? If the referee had given the penalty on the field, it would have been a ‘Check complete’ by VAR.

“Conversely, by not awarding it, it’s also ‘Check complete’. Michael Oliver mentioned that the ball was in between both players moving towards it. The ball was too low for a header. Doku raised his foot to play the ball and did make contact with it.

“Although there was contact with Mac Allister as well, Mac Allister was also not fully focused on playing the ball. Therefore, I understand why there is a split in opinions.

“I believe it would have been ‘check complete’ regardless of the decision. It’s important not to re-officiate the game in unclear situations, which is the role of VAR in such cases. VAR chose to stay out of it, which is in line with expectations.”

Owen inquired, “In such a scenario, where you find yourself in the 98th minute of a crucial match, what thoughts occupy your mind?”

Match Officials Mic’d Up: The Reason Behind Liverpool’s Penalty Denial Against Man City

Listen to the audio recording of the communication between the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team during the incident involving Jeremy Doku and Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield.

The PGMOL and the Premier League have initiated discussions to enhance transparency between the referee and the VAR for crucial incidents in the current season. In the latest episode of “Match Officials: Mic’d Up,” Howard Webb, the chief operating officer at PGMOL, which oversees the League’s match officials, analyzes five incidents that occurred in the past four weeks.

Webb, along with Michael Owen, delves into the conversation among the match officials to provide fans with a deeper understanding of the decision-making process. It is important to note that the officials on the field are not privy to all the discussions taking place at the VAR hub in Stockley Park.

Webb: “The score is tied at 1-1. The desire for certainty is crucial in these situations. It’s important to have clarity and confidence in making the right decision. However, it’s not always possible to have all the necessary information in the heat of the moment.

“In critical moments, especially around the penalty area, it becomes even more crucial to make the correct call. As a player, you strive to position yourself well and maintain focus until the very end.

“But sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not have all the information you need. That’s when certainty becomes paramount in these significant moments.

“Clearly, Michael [Oliver] lacked that certainty in this particular situation. And when the VAR reviewed it, they didn’t find a clear and obvious error. It becomes a subjective matter, and we’ve received feedback from people involved in the game that this is a subjective situation, causing divided opinions.

“Therefore, based on this high threshold, the VAR made the right decision by not intervening.”

Owen: “I agree that subjectivity plays a role here. However, some argue that because it happened in the 98th minute, it should carry more weight. Does the significance of the game or the score come into play, or is it solely about making the decision as it unfolds?”

Webb: “Indeed, penalty situations in a game of this magnitude are always crucial, regardless of the minute. It’s essential to maintain focus from the first minute until the last.

“Toward the end of the game, players may sometimes seek contact to draw a foul. Although that may not be the case here, it’s important to be aware of how players might behave in the later stages of the match. That’s why having a level of certainty is necessary.”

” Indeed, one must always be cognizant of the repercussions that accompany significant choices made within the penalty area, emphasizing the importance of certainty.”