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This video can not be played 'I'm not a diver' - Doku on Dalot tackle Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku says he is thankful not to be more seriously injured after a studs-up challenge by Diogo Dalot in the Manchester derby. The United defender caught the Belgian winger high on the leg inside the first 10 minutes of City's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Old Trafford on 17 January. Referee Anthony Taylor showed Dalot a yellow card and the decision was supported by the video assistant referee (VAR) Craig Pawson, who deemed the contact "glancing and not with excessive force". Premier League referees' boss Howard Webb later rejected claims his officials made a mistake by not showing a red card. Portuguese full-back Dalot also told BBC Radio 5 Live it was the right decision not to send him off - and he was "really comfortable with what happened". The injury prevented Doku coming off the bench in City's 3-1 Champions League loss at Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt following the United game. And he said: "I saw the images as well. I can only say that I continued to play but was painful to play in Norway. "You guys know my feelings about it. I could have [been out for a long time]. It happened and I didn't play in Norway but I don't want to go too much into it. It is the past now. "Thanks to the Lord I didn't get injured badly and I am able to play now. It is the only thing I can focus on now. " Guardiola apologises to ref Hallam but 'defends' outburst Latest Manchester City news, analysis and fan views Ask about Man City - what do you want to know? Doku was also on the receiving end of late challenge from Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera in Saturday's 2-0 win over Wolves. The Colombian was booked for raking his studs down the back of Doku's leg and no further action was taken by VAR. Asked if wingers get enough protection from referees, Doku added: "I don't know in general. That tackle [from Mosquera] was painful. I didn't ask the referee why he didn't give another card, I just know that it was painful. "Knowing myself and my character, I know I am not a diver. If I fall on the ground then it is probably because something happened. In terms of laws, I just know that when I am on the ground I am not diving. "It is their responsibility to see if it is a yellow or red, a foul or not a foul, that is their job. " Doku felt he was on the receiving end of a "strong tackle" or "heavy confrontation" at least once in every game, while boss Pep Guardiola also claimed his player was deemed to be diving when referees should instead blow for a foul. The Belgian forward, 23, added: "Fouls is fine, as long as I don't get injured. I see it as a compliment, they can't take the ball. For me it is more about the diving thing. When I don't get a foul, I am not diving. "That is sometimes frustrating because I know my character and if I fall on the ground, it is because something happened. Sometimes players tell me more to fall more on the ground. That is more frustrating for sure. " Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser England on course for victory over SL in series decider Slot news conference: 'Impossible to shut down noise if we're not competing for the title' Bayern legend? How Kane is viewed in Germany as contract talks begin Comedy thriller starring James Corden and Mathew Baynton A faceless hacker threatens to expose Finland's deepest secrets Chi is once again forced to contend with life and death Greg Foot investigates testosterone replacement therapy Bayern legend? How Kane is viewed in Germany as contract talks begin Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week? Why did Alcaraz, Sinner & Sabalenka have to remove fitness trackers? Six English clubs and old foes - all to play for on Champions League final day Can unfancied Scots be Six Nations contenders? F1 testing begins - but why all the secrecy? Cal-fouri, a lesser-spotted law & Russell v the Shed - Prem talking points 'Another unbelievable result' - but what's different about Man Utd now? 'Intoxicating title fight impossible to call as Hearts refuse to buckle' Grudge match or homecoming - what next for Pimblett? Why can't Newcastle win without Guimaraes? 'Joyless and toxic' - will Spurs put Frank out of his misery? 'Liverpool's struggles can no longer be hidden by long unbeaten run' Is Sinner-Alcaraz in danger of making majors boring? England fans' World Cup arrest record shows Infantino joke inaccurate Why Norrie exit underlines how Britain is punching below weight Eat & Yap - Arsenal striker Smith answers quickfire questions Video Eat & Yap - Arsenal striker Smith answers quickfire questions The day I discovered the Everton contract Revie never signed Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
