Poor decision’ – Ex-refs chief slams Chris Kavanagh for major error in Man City vs Liverpool…

Poor decision’ – Former referees chief criticizes Chris Kavanagh for a significant mistake in the match between Man City and Liverpool.

‘Simply amazed’ – Former referees chief attacks Chris Kavanagh as the footage of the Man City-Liverpool match is re-evaluated.

Chris Kavanagh faced criticism for a mistake he made during the confrontation between Manchester City and Liverpool.

In the most notable match of the Premier League weekend, both Man City and Liverpool viewed this encounter as a chance to narrow the gap on Arsenal.

On Saturday evening, Arsenal was held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland after Brian Brobbey’s last-minute equalizer, slightly reopening the title race.

City approached this game seven points behind the leaders, while the Reds trailed by eight, setting the stage for a potential classic at the Etihad Stadium.

Keith Hackett criticizes Chris Kavanagh for granting a penalty to Man City.

In the early moments, the match certainly delivered excitement, as the hosts were involved in a contentious penalty call.

Jeremy Doku fell in the box following minimal contact from Giorgi Mamardashvili, and referee Chris Kavanagh initially dismissed the penalty claims.

However, after a VAR review, Kavanagh reversed his decision, stating: “After review, the goalkeeper commits a foul challenge on the attacker, the final decision is penalty.”

In an exclusive interview with Football Insider, former EX-PGMOL chief and FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, expressed his disagreement and deemed it a ‘poor decision.’

He elaborated: “I’m simply amazed that a penalty kick was given when no genuine offense occurred. You don’t make assumptions in these situations; you need to be absolutely certain. Thankfully, it was saved, sparing the match officials from embarrassment.

“A truly poor decision – there was no foul, hence no offense. It should not have been a penalty kick. A poor decision by the match officials.”

Justice was arguably served when Erling Haaland missed the subsequent penalty, although it did not change the outcome of the match.

Haaland netted a spectacular glancing header, followed by a strike from Nico Gonzalez outside the box that punished a struggling Liverpool.

What does this outcome mean for the Premier League title race?

Doku’s stunning goal in the second half secured the three points for City, bringing them to within four points of Arsenal in the title chase.

On the other hand, another loss for Liverpool leaves them a staggering eight points behind the league leaders, casting significant doubt on their title defense.

Matt Le Tissier had predicted Liverpool would clinch the Premier League title when he spoke to Football Insider at the end of September, but that prediction is becoming less likely.

The Reds displayed a lack of confidence, authority, and appeared fatigued against City, which has been a recurring issue throughout the season.