Micah Richards believes that referee Phil Dowd's decision to give Liverpool a penalty during the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final played a "massive" part in Manchester City's defeat.

The Premier League leaders were knocked out of the domestic cup courtesy of the Reds, despite scoring two goals at Anfield.

A controversial moment in the game came when Richards was penalised in the penalty box for appearing to block a shot with his arm after the ball bounced off the defender's leg.

"I think the referee made a poor decision for the penalty," Richards told City TV. "It struck my foot and has gone on to my hand. I don't know what he expects me to do with that. But it was a decision. I won't say it has cost us but it has clearly played a massive part."

"Everyone goes on about respecting referees but it is decisions like that that are sometimes costing us. I give my full support to the referees but with those sort of decisions, unless you are 100% sure, you shouldn't really be giving them."

Liverpool will now face Cardiff City in the final of the Carling Cup while City resume focus on their Premier League campaign.