Manchester City defender Kyle Walker praised referee Michael Oliver for not “crumbling” and giving Liverpool a last-gasp penalty in Sunday’s 1-1 draw.
Jeremy Doku made a chest-high challenge on Alexis Mac Allister with virtually the last kick of the game.
Mac Allister and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp said afterwards that it was a penalty but neither Oliver nor the video assistant referee deemed it a foul.
“I think the referee did really well,” Walker told Sky Sports.
“I feel once you have the Anfield crowd behind them, he could’ve crumbled – but that shows his experience, that shows his character.
“That’s why he’s regarded as probably one of the best referees in this country and the world at the minute.”
Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister, who equalised earlier with a 50th-minute penalty, added that Oliver “did a very good job but I think he made a mistake in the last decision”.
Asked if he thought it was a foul, Walker replied: “It’s probably not for me to say if I think it’s a pen. If I say it’s not a pen, it’s headlines. If I say it is a pen, it’s headlines.
“The VAR’s checked it, the ref’s done it – that’s all I’m going to say on that.”
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett told Total Sport Merseyside that it was a “nailed on” penalty.
“I find it difficult to understand why referees at the elite level should not see that, first of all, as a foul,” he added. “It’s that close between either a yellow or a red [card], but not to give a penalty is completely unbelievable.”
Sunday’s result means Liverpool are behind Premier League leaders Arsenal on goal difference, with defending champions City a point further back.
All three sides have 10 games left, with the Blues aiming to become the first team to be English champions four years running.
“I don’t think anyone’s got the edge, we’ve all got some tough games [to come],” Walker added.
“We know the Premier League, we’ve been here many years and seen lots of twists and turns, ups and downs.
“There’s a lot of football to be played and, hopefully for Manchester City, we go and do four in a row, which no-one’s ever done.”
