(Photo credit: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images, (Photo credit: Karl Lessine/Getty Images))
VAR’s decision to cancel Manchester City’s second-half goal and send off Dominik Szoboszlai has been widely criticized, with critics claiming it was killing the fun of the game.
The controversy erupted in the final seconds of Manchester City’s dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield.
What happened: The goal was ruled out for chalk and Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off.
The incident occurred at the 100th minute. With Liverpool chasing an equalizer, goalkeeper Alisson Becker went up for a corner kick, leaving the Reds’ goal completely vulnerable.
City avoided danger and substitute Rayan Cherki launched a counter-attack, smashing the ball from the halfway line into an empty net.
As the ball began to roll toward goal, goalscorers Dominik Szoboszlai and Erling Haaland engaged in a frantic footrace to the line. Szoboszlai pulled on Haaland’s shirt in an attempt to slow him down, but the Norwegian striker stepped back and retaliated.
The ball eventually crossed the line and City looked set to win 3-1.
However, VAR intervened. Referee Craig Pawson was instructed not to allow a strike, instead of playing the advantage and allowing a goal.
He brought the play back for his first foul, presented Szoboszlai with a straight red card for blocking an obvious scoring opportunity, and elected to take a free kick to erase the goal from the scoreboard.
Pep Guardiola reacts to controversial VAR decision
Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola was troubled by the unconventional strict application of rules.
After the match, he expressed frustration that the natural conclusion of the match was interrupted by technology.
Josep Guardiola on the match’s dramatic ending (via BBC Sport): “Now referee, give the goal and go home!”
Strong reaction to VAR decision
The decision sparked outrage among experts and fans alike, who felt that the strict application of the law spoiled a great moment.
Gary Neville said on Sky Sports (via BBC Sport): “You live for games like this. I’m a fan of VAR, but they’ve taken the fun out of it. Fans watch football matches for entertainment, for moments like that. Talk about the killjoys. They’ve just taken away one of the great moments of the season.”
Fans also reacted on SNS
One person wrote:
“What a shocking decision by Liverpool at the end of the game. It didn’t deserve a red card, it just silenced the goal. Process, process spoils the game.”
Another said:
“And that’s why VAR ruins the game. It takes away a bright moment to see if the decision was ‘technically’ correct. It’s completely pointless and a terrible way to end a great second half of football. ”
