Doku admits he got away with that karate kick
JEREMY DOKU has admitted his tackle on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister was “risky” – but the Belgian insisted it was no penalty.
Jurgen Klopp was seething when Michael Oliver did not award a last-minute spot-kick for the winger’s high challenge playing for Manchester City earlier this month.
Klopp was later backed by head of referees Howard Webb after the 1-1 draw.
Speaking for the first time about it, Doku admitted: “It was a risky challenge. I know I could have dealt with it differently.
“Was I worried? For a moment I was – whenVAR were looking at it and maybe looking for a penalty.
“For me it wasn’t a penalty, but some referees would have given it. I still believe it wasn’t a penalty. But I was just happy that they didn’t give it because it would have put me in a difficult situation.
“I can understand why some people are angry and why the Liverpool fans think it should be a penalty, but I think it was not.”
Doku, who answered questions in Flemish, French and English last night, will face his City team-mate
Phil Foden, above, but
Kyle Walker (hamstring) and Kevin De Bruyne (groin) are out injured.
Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco said: “We talked several times about Kevin’s replacement but you can’t replace him. Of course we try to compensate.”
But record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku will return from injury to a virtually full-strength Belgium side tonight, after a shadow team drew 0-0 with the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
“He will probably start,” said Tedesco. “On the pitch he is important because he is always available. Off the pitch, he is unbelievably important. He is a good person. 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 following their early exit at the World Cup.
Belgium are still No.4 in the FIFA rankings and Tedesco said: “We have a fantastic atmosphere in the team.This is more important to me than telling you we are going to play in the quarters or semis or whatever at Euro 2024.”