Haaland questions VAR decision after chaotic finish at Anfield

February 9, 2026 Oliver Obel

Manchester City’s narrow win over Liverpool on Sunday was overshadowed by a stoppage-time VAR decision that prompted debate over how the Laws of the Game are applied in high-stakes moments.

A late Manchester City goal was initially awarded before being overturned following a pitchside review, a ruling that ultimately resulted in a red card for Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and criticism from City striker Erling Haaland.

How the moment unfolded

With Liverpool trailing 2–1 deep into stoppage time, goalkeeper Alisson joined the attack as the hosts searched desperately for an equaliser. City cleared their lines and Rayan Cherki sent the ball toward the empty Liverpool goal from near the halfway line.

As the ball rolled toward the net, Haaland and Szoboszlai sprinted back in pursuit. When the ball crossed the line, City players celebrated, believing the contest had been settled.

Instead, referee Craig Pawson was advised to review the incident, focusing on physical contact between the two players during the chase.

https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/2020567641144819946

Why VAR intervened

After reviewing the footage, Pawson ruled that Haaland had committed a foul by pulling Szoboszlai’s shirt after the Liverpool midfielder had already committed a holding offence.

Under guidance applied by PGMOL, the second foul nullified City’s advantage, meaning the goal could not stand. Szoboszlai’s earlier infringement was judged to have denied an obvious goalscoring opportunity, leading to a red card and a free kick for City.

The decision brought a dramatic and confusing end to the match, with both teams left processing the outcome long after the final whistle.

Haaland questions the outcome

Haaland acknowledged that the referee had acted within the framework of the rules but suggested the punishment was excessive.

“I think, for me, of course the referee has to follow the rules,” he told Sky Sports reporter Patrick Davison.

“But this will give him three games. I feel bad for him, because he gets three games. Just give the goal, don't give red cards, it's as simple as that.”

He later added: “But I think it's the rules. This is just how it is. I don't know. In the end, Cherki just passed me the ball and I couldn't score, but that's just how it is.”

League backs referee decision

The Premier League’s Match Centre later issued a statement on X confirming Pawson’s interpretation of the incident and the disciplinary outcome.

According to the league, Haaland’s foul cancelled any advantage stemming from Szoboszlai’s earlier offence, which was deemed to have prevented a clear scoring chance and therefore warranted a dismissal.

City ultimately departed Anfield with three points, but the debate surrounding VAR, advantage, and proportional punishment is likely to continue.

Sources: Sky Sports, Premier League Match Centre