MU legend enraged as Man City’s goal is disallowed

The fierce clash between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield not only left a strong sporting impression but also ignited intense debates around the VAR technology.

With Man City leading 2-1 in the final moments, Liverpool pushed all out to equalize. Coach Jurgen Klopp even sent goalkeeper Alisson forward to join the attack, creating a rare scene at Anfield. This decision opened a golden opportunity for the visitors.

From near midfield, Rayan Cherki calmly directed the ball towards the empty goal. Immediately, a thrilling sprint unfolded between Erling Haaland and Dominik Szoboszlai. Initially, Haaland held a clear advantage, and many believed the Norwegian striker would easily score. However, Szoboszlai pulled Haaland’s shirt from behind. Refusing to give up, Haaland grabbed back at his opponent, causing both to fall down as the ball slowly rolled across the line.

Anfield erupted from that dramatic moment, but Man City’s joy was short-lived. VAR immediately intervened, prompting referee Craig Pawson to review the incident. After tense minutes, Cherki’s goal was disallowed due to Haaland being ruled fouled. Ironically, Szoboszlai received a direct red card for the initial shirt pull, judged to have denied a clear goal-scoring chance.

This decision instantly sparked fierce backlash. On Sky Sports, Gary Neville could barely hide his frustration. The former Man United captain argued that VAR interfered mechanically, stripping football of its original emotion. According to Neville, no fan believed the foul deserved a penalty, let alone a disallowed goal and a red card.

Even Erling Haaland, who benefited from Man City’s 2-1 victory, admitted feeling sorry for Szoboszlai. The Norwegian striker thought the disallowed goal and red card were too harsh, although he understood the referee was simply enforcing the rules.

VAR controversy once again became the Premier League’s focal point. When rules are applied too rigidly, the question arises whether football is losing the raw emotion that makes it the beautiful game. The match at Anfield ended with a Man City win, but the echoes of this controversial decision will likely be remembered for a long time.