VAR Review: Liverpool Anger Justified in No Red Card for Man City? Penalty Fair?

In a thrilling Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City Premier League clash on February 8, 2026, at Anfield, VAR decisions sparked controversy. Referee Craig Pawson and VAR John Brooks were at the center of two pivotal calls that shaped Man City's dramatic comeback win, keeping their title hopes alive while denting Liverpool's Champions League aspirations.[1][2]

90th+10 Minute: Man City Goal Disallowed, Szoboszlai Red Card

Liverpool led 1-0 when Man City thought they had equalized, but VAR intervened. Pawson reviewed footage at the pitchside monitor and announced: "After review, there is a careless foul by Erling Haaland that pulls the shirt of Dominic Szoboszlai. Prior to that, Szoboszlai commits a holding offence that denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The final decision is a direct free kick to Manchester City and a red card."[1]

The article deems this correct: Haaland's shirt-pull was minor, but Szoboszlai's prior holding was a clear DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity), warranting the red card and goal disallowance. VAR efficiently packaged both incidents for review, upholding protocol.[1]

Late Drama: Haaland's Penalty

In stoppage time (90+13'), Liverpool's Alisson clattered into Man City's Matheus Nunes, missing the ball entirely. VAR prompted a review, and Pawson awarded a penalty, which Haaland converted for a 2-1 win. The verdict: "Correct decision. Alisson was late with no ball contact—penalty expected."[1][2]

Liverpool fans fumed over a perceived missed red for Nunes earlier, but the piece argues their anger is unjustified. Man City's resilience, with Haaland's clutch strike, reignited the title race (Arsenal lead with 56 points; City on 50; Liverpool drop to 39).[1][2] Analysts praised City's fightback amid chaos, though some decried VAR inconsistencies.[3][5]

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