Doku: Mac tackle was a risk – but no penalty

BY NEIL MCLEMAN JEREMY DOKU has admitted his tackle on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister was “risky” – but the Manchester City winger insisted it was not a penalty.

Jurgen Klopp was left seething when Michael Oliver did not award a late spot-kick for the high challenge. He was backed by VAR and the head of referees Howard Webb.

Speaking for the first time about the contentious incident (right), Belgium’s Doku said: “It was a risky challenge, I know I could have dealt with it differently. Was I worried? For a moment I was thinking because when they were looking at the VAR and maybe looking for a penalty. “I still believe it wasn’t a penalty, but I know that maybe some other referees would have given it. I was just happy that they didn’t give it because it would have put me in a difficult situation. I can understand why the Liverpool fans think it should be a penalty, but I believe it was not.”

Doku, who answered questions in Flemish, French and English at his Wembley press conference, will face club team-mate

Phil Foden.

But City’s

Kyle Walker

(hamstring) and

Kevin De Bruyne are both out injured.

Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco said: “We talked several times about Kevin De Bruyne’s replacement, but you can’t replace him. He’s a different player doing different things.”

Record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku will return to a full-strength Belgium team tonight after the shadow team drew 0-0 with the Republic of Ireland on

Saturday. The former Chelsea, West Brom, Everton and Manchester United striker – on loan at Roma – is available and “will probably start”, Tedesco said.

The German-born Italian added: “On the pitch, he is important because he is always available.

“Off the pitch, he is unbelievably important.

“He is like a father for all the young players.”

Tedesco is unbeaten in 12 games since taking over from Roberto Martinez in February last year. Belgium are still No.4 in the world but will go to Euro 2024 without the expectations of the Golden Generation.

“We have a fantastic atmosphere,” Tedesco said. “This is more important to me than telling you we are going to play in the quarters, or semis at Euro 2024.”