Dejan Lovren says he is convinced Romelu Lukaku intentionally kicked him in the face in Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Man United on Saturday.
It was announced on Monday afternoon that the Belgian would not face FA action following a collision that left Lovren clutching his cheek at Anfield.
Lukaku was involved in a host of strong challenges as he toiled in a thankless role up front for Jose Mourinho’s side, continually frustrated by Liverpool’s defensive efforts and a lack of support from his United teammates.
And speaking ahead of the Reds’ Champions League clash with Maribor, Lovren confirmed that he believed Lukaku purposefully connected with his face.
“I made the tackle and I felt he was over me and he could just move away,” he told reporters.
“To be honest my point of view is that he did it on purpose and, you know, even if he did it normally he would apologise after that.
“But I saw that he was nervous during the game, so maybe that was the reason.
“That happened on the pitch and it’s over; I cannot change it and nobody can change it anymore.
“This is not my decision. Of course, I cannot say I’m not disappointed. It is what it is now, we need to move on. That’s football, part of the game.”
Lovren escaped any serious damage from his clash with United’s No. 9, and is expected to start at the Stadion Ljudski vrt on Tuesday night.
He is looking to produce a regular run of games after battling issues with his back and groin in recent weeks, revealing he was taking painkillers before each outing.
The centre-back stressed that he is now injury free, having used the international break to ensure he returned to full fitness.
“I’m fit now. I had issues with my back and with my groin a couple of weeks ago. One week ago, to be honest,” he said.
“I skipped the first game of internationals and I think that helped me to put the pain a little bit more down.
“I was struggling, but now it’s over and I’m feeling good, feeling fit.”
Lovren was in positive form up against Lukaku on Saturday, dealing well with the 24-year-old’s physical threat as he fed off scraps up front.
And the Croatian will be hoping to build on this when he lines up against Maribor in a must-win Champions League clash.
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