It was what Manchester City fans described as one of the most controversial moments of the weekend’s game against Liverpool.
The Sky Sports Ref Watch panel have given their verdict on Manuel Akanji’s goal against Liverpool this weekend. Liverpool equalized in the second half through Trent Alexander-Arnold and missed Erling Haaland against Pep Guardiola’s side, but the hosts did not concede a goal in the second half.
City’s Akanji was adjudged to have fouled the Brazilian goalkeeper in the air after standing alongside Alisson Becker following a corner and allowing Ruben Diaz to fire at the back post.
The goal was immediately disallowed as his intervention in Liverpool’s stoppage time caused the ball to bounce over him. The former Liverpool lawyer told Jamie Crractiger Alisson and Sue Smith on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch panel. “Looks easy.” Smith began.
“I think you always know you’re going to do that to a keeper. But as Dermot [Gallagher] said, if you touch the keeper when you try to take it, he will push him a bit. So… this is a good solution.”
Warnock defended his claims, claiming “the keeper was overprotective” and “soft”, but ultimately agreed with the decision.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher said he believed it was the right call and called Akanji’s contact long enough to award a foul. “They say the goalkeeper is protected.
You’ll have to hit him a bit to throw him off balance. You lose all stability and can’t catch the ball. I think that would throw him off balance enough to foul him.”
It was a decision that sparked much controversy when manager Pep Guardiola mentioned the Joelinton incident during the Newcastle-Arsenal match, which also sparked controversy.
The draw left Liverpool in third, two points behind Arsenal, who beat Brentford late on. Klopp’s side return to action on Thursday night when they welcome LASK to Anfield in the Europa League.
