VAR’s decision to rule out a late Manchester City goal and dismiss Dominik Szoboszlai has drawn heavy criticism, with many arguing that the system is stripping the game of its excitement.
What happened: Goal disallowed and Dominik Szoboszlai sent off
The incident took place in the 100th minute. With Liverpool pushing for an equaliser, goalkeeper Alisson Becker went forward for a corner, leaving the home side’s net completely exposed.
City cleared the ball, and substitute Rayan Cherki launched a counter-attack, sending a shot towards the empty goal from near the halfway line.
As the ball travelled towards the net, Dominik Szoboszlai and Erling Haaland sprinted back in a desperate race to reach it. Szoboszlai pulled at Haaland’s shirt to slow him down, and the Norwegian forward responded by tugging back.
The ball crossed the line, appearing to confirm a 3-1 victory for City.
VAR then stepped in. Rather than allowing play to continue and awarding the goal, referee Craig Pawson was instructed to stop the game.
He returned to the original foul and issued Szoboszlai a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, cancelling the goal and awarding Manchester City a free-kick instead.
Pep Guardiola reacts to controversial VAR decision
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was visibly puzzled by what he saw as a strict interpretation of the rules over common sense.
After the match, he voiced his annoyance that technology had disrupted what felt like a natural ending to the game.
Pep Guardiola on the dramatic conclusion (via BBC Sport): “Come on referee, give the goal and go home!”
Strong reaction against VAR decision
The ruling has angered pundits and supporters alike, who believe that a thrilling moment was spoiled by an overly rigid application of the laws.
Gary Neville on Sky Sports (via BBC Sport): “You live for games like this. I support VAR, but it has taken away the joy. Fans watch football for entertainment and moments like that. What a killjoy. They have just ruined one of the best moments of the season.”
Fans also reacted on social media
One fan wrote:
“What an awful decision at the end of the Liverpool game. It didn’t deserve a red card – just let the goal stand. The constant process is killing football.”
Another added:
“This is exactly why VAR is destroying the game. You took away an incredible moment just to make sure the decision was ‘technically’ correct. Totally unnecessary and a disappointing end to a fantastic second half.”
