Doku Relieved After Dalot Challenge

Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku expressed gratitude for escaping serious injury following a high challenge by Diogo Dalot during the Manchester derby.

Injury Incident in the Manchester Derby

In a match on January 17, Doku was caught on the leg by United’s Dalot within the first ten minutes of City’s 2-0 Premier League loss at Old Trafford. Referee Anthony Taylor issued a yellow card to Dalot, and this decision was confirmed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Craig Pawson, who determined the contact was minimal and not forceful.

After the game, Howard Webb, the head of Premier League referees, dismissed any claims that a red card should have been issued for the incident.

Dalot’s Response

Subsequently, Dalot commented to BBC Radio 5 Live, agreeing with the referee’s decision and expressing that he felt comfortable with the way it was handled.

Following the challenge, Doku was unable to participate in City’s Champions League match against Bodo/Glimt, where they lost 3-1.

Doku noted, “Reviewing the footage, I could only say that I played through the pain, but it was challenging to play in Norway. I could have faced a lengthy recovery, but thankfully, I wasn’t badly hurt, and I’m currently fit to play. That’s my focus now.”

‘I Am Not a Diver’

Doku recently faced another tough challenge against Wolves’ defender Yerson Mosquera in a match where City won 2-0. Mosquera received a booking for making a dangerous tackle, but there was no additional intervention from VAR.

Commenting on whether wingers receive sufficient protection from officials, Doku remarked, “I can’t say for certain. That challenge was painful, and I didn’t ask the referee why there wasn’t further punishment. I simply know it was an uncomfortable tackle.”

He added, “I know my own character well: if I hit the ground, it’s likely because I’ve been fouled. It’s up to referees to determine the nature of the foul and whether it warrants a card.”

Doku noted he feels he faces rough play in almost every match and mentioned that even his manager, Pep Guardiola, believes he has been mistakenly labelled a diver when fouls should have been called.

The 23-year-old forward further emphasized, “It’s acceptable to give fouls as long as I stay uninjured. I take it as a compliment that opponents struggle to take the ball from me. However, being called a diver can be frustrating. If I’m on the ground, it’s usually due to something that occurred on the pitch.”

The Frustration of Misinterpretation

Doku concluded by sharing the frustration he feels when he doesn’t receive fouls, stating, “I know my character, and if I’m on the floor, something has happened. There are moments when players suggest I should dive more, which can be disheartening.”