The Premier League have confirmed that Giorgi Mamardashvili was penalised for a foul on Jeremy Doku in the early stages of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side were awarded a penalty following an intervention from VAR after Chris Kavanagh missed the incident in real time.
The visitors endured a slow start and almost find themselves behind after 10 minutes when the Georgian goalkeeper was adjudged to have fouled the tricky winger. The build-up was calamitous from a defensive point for view from Liverpool as Ibrahima Konate gifted Doku the ball in the Reds’ 18-yard box.
The Belgian weaved his way through, dancing past a sprawling Mamardashvili, before going down as he was about the fire goalwards.
City protested but the man in the middle was forced to check the pitchside monitor before pointing to the spot. He spoke over the PA system to announce the decision, he said: “After review, the goalkeeper commits a foul challenge on the attacker, the final decision is penalty.”
However, Erling Haaland’s spot-kick was saved by the Georgian shot-stopper. In the minutes after the incident, the Premier League Match Centre tweeted: “VAR OVERTURN.
“After review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Manchester City. Referee announcement: “After review, the goalkeeper commits a foul challenge on the attacker, the final decision is penalty.”
But shortly before the half-hour mark, Haaland headed the hosts in front.
Matheus Nunes was allowed to deliver into the box, unopposed, and Konate’s clearance flicked off the Norwegian looping into the back of the net.