Liverpool fans claim separate VAR incident was 'swept under carpet' against Man City

Liverpool Fans Claim Separate VAR Incident Was 'Swept Under Carpet' Against Man City

In the heated Premier League clash at Anfield on February 8, 2026, Manchester City secured a dramatic victory over Liverpool, but controversy erupted over VAR decisions—particularly a late incident where Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off, overshadowing fans' grievances about an earlier non-call.[1][2]

The match's chaotic finale saw Rayan Cherki's stunning halfway-line goal disallowed after VAR intervention. Referee Craig Pawson reviewed footage revealing Erling Haaland pulling Szoboszlai's shirt as they chased the ball toward an empty net, with Alisson upfield. This foul prompted scrutiny of Szoboszlai's prior holding offense on Haaland, deemed a denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO). Pawson correctly overturned the goal, awarding City a free kick and a red card to Szoboszlai, who will miss Liverpool's next game.[1][2][4]

Gary Neville, on Sky Sports commentary, lambasted the intervention as ruining a "golden moment" and fueling anti-VAR sentiment. "That feels so unjust... They didn't need to intervene," Neville said, noting no one benefited despite technical correctness.[2]

Liverpool fans, however, highlighted an earlier incident "swept under the carpet": Marc Guéhi (noted in some reports, possibly a misnomer for a City defender) pulled Mohamed Salah down after a through ball from Szoboszlai, denying a clear chance. Referee Pawson issued only a yellow card and free kick, with VAR upholding it—prompting cries of inconsistency from Arne Slot and supporters. "If you're sending off for DOGSO, Guéhi should have gone too," Slot argued post-match.[1][3]

Other flashpoints included a correct late penalty for City on Alisson's challenge and debates over fairness. While VAR adhered to rules, Neville and fans decried its joy-killing precision amid Liverpool's 2-1 defeat.[1][2][3]

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