Liverpool’s Premier League match against Manchester City at Anfield ended in chaos as Rayan Cherki’s second-half goal was ruled out and Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off due to a VAR review.
Erling Haaland speaks after Man City vs. Liverpool win (Image: Sky Sports)
Manager Erling Haaland admitted he felt “sick” following Dominik Szoboszlai’s chaotic sending off in Liverpool’s game against Manchester City. The reigning champions suffered a 2-1 defeat at Anfield on Sunday night, but the scoreline didn’t tell half the story.
Szoboszlai gave Liverpool the lead with a stunning free-kick. However, Bernardo Silva’s goal from Haaland’s knockdown put the hosts on the hook.
The Norwegian then appeared to have secured all three points with a stoppage-time penalty. However, the drama did not end there, as goalkeeper Alisson took to the pitch and Rayan Cherki tried to score from a distance into the empty net.
As Haaland and Szoboszlai desperately chased the ball over the line, they appeared to be tugging at each other’s shirts. VAR then intervened, canceling the goal and giving Szoboszlai his marching orders.
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Ms Haaland claimed she could sympathize with the Hungarians who followed. He told Sky Sports: “Obviously the referee had to follow the rules, but this gives him three games. I feel sorry for him because at the end of the day he gets three games.”
“Just give a goal, no red card. It’s very simple. That’s the rule and that’s how it goes. If Cherki passed the ball to me and I could score… but he didn’t want that, so that’s what it is!”
Referee Craig Pawson said: “The review found a careless foul on Erling Haaland, who pulled Dominik Szoboszlai’s shirt. Before that, Szoboszlai committed a holding offense that denied a clear scoring opportunity. The final decision was a direct free-kick and a red card for Manchester City.”
Szoboszlai was sent off in stoppage time (Image: Getty Images)
What do you think about Szoboszlai’s red card? Share your thoughts in the comments section below
Meanwhile, pundit Gary Neville shared his view on the decision, claiming the goal should have stood. Speaking on commentary, Neville said: “You live to see games like this. I’m a fan of VAR, but VAR has taken the fun out of it.” “Fans watch soccer games for entertainment and for moments like that.”
Man City’s dramatic victory over Liverpool reignited their title bid. Josep Guardiola’s side currently sit six points behind leaders Arsenal.
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