Erling Haaland Gives Instant Verdict on Dominik Szoboszlai Red Card vs Man City

In a thrilling Premier League clash at Anfield, Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool, keeping their title hopes alive by cutting Arsenal's lead to six points. Erling Haaland was pivotal, providing an assist and scoring a 93rd-minute penalty winner after Liverpool had taken the lead via Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning free kick.[3][2]

The match's most controversial moment came in the dying minutes. Rayan Cherki passed to Haaland, who appeared to score as the ball crossed the line amid wild City celebrations. However, a tussle ensued: Szoboszlai had initially fouled Haaland by holding him back, denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity, but Haaland retaliated with a shirt pull on the Liverpool midfielder.[2][3]

Referee Craig Pawson, prompted by VAR, reviewed the incident at the monitor. He disallowed City's goal, citing Haaland's careless foul, and issued Szoboszlai a straight red card for his earlier holding offense. The Premier League Match Centre confirmed: "After review, there is a careless foul by Erling Haaland... Prior to that, Szoboszlai commits a holding offence... Final decision: direct free kick to Manchester City and a red card."[2]

Post-match, Haaland shared his candid thoughts with Sky Sports: "I think, for me, of course the referee has to follow the rules. But this will give him [Szoboszlai] three games [ban]. I feel bad for him... Just give the goal, don't give red cards, it's as simple as that."[1][2][3] Despite sympathizing with Szoboszlai's likely three-match suspension, Haaland accepted the rules.[4]

Pep Guardiola hailed the win as historic, marking City's first non-COVID victory at Anfield in nine seasons for him. Liverpool, now sixth, face Sunderland next, while City host Fulham.[3] The incident has sparked debate over VAR's role in such tangled plays.

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