Manchester City defender Kyle Walker praised the “character” of referee Michael Oliver for not awarding Liverpool a late penalty during Sunday's 1-1 draw between the title rivals.
City winger Jérémy Doku kicked Alexis Mac Allister in the chest while clearing the ball in the 99th minute of the match, but neither the on-field referees nor the VAR fouled him, prompting Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp , to say “it was 100% a penalty” and question what video officer Stuart Attwell “had for lunch.”
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Walker, however, praised Oliver for not being influenced by environment or circumstances.
“My view is that the referee and the VAR made a decision on that,” he told Sky Sports on Monday. “I feel like the referee called it very, very well.
“I feel like once you have Anfield and the crowd behind him, he could have collapsed. But it shows his experience, it shows his character and that's why he is considered probably one of the best referees in this country and the world in this moment”. “.
Walker went on to talk about the Premier League title race, with City in third place, just one point behind Liverpool and leaders Arsenal.
“I don't think anyone has the advantage. We are where we are,” he said. “We have difficult games like the rest of them, we all have difficult games.
“I told the guys in the locker room. [before playing Liverpool] that this game will not define our season; It's a big step in the right direction toward our ultimate goal at the end of the season, but it won't define our season.
“We know the Premier League, we have been here many, many years and we have seen many twists and turns, ups and downs.
“So there is a lot of football to play, as you say, there are 10 important games to play and I hope that Manchester City can play those four great games in a row that no one has ever done.”
