Erling Haaland Delivers Strong Verdict on Szoboszlai Red Card as Premier League Clarifies VAR Call
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has shared his blunt reaction after Rayan Cherki’s dramatic late goal against Liverpool was chalked off following a VAR review.
City came from behind to claim a 2–1 victory at Anfield after Dominik Szoboszlai had earlier put Liverpool ahead with a brilliant free-kick.
Deep into stoppage time, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson pushed forward as the hosts searched desperately for an equaliser. City regained possession, and Cherki attempted an audacious effort from near the halfway line. What followed was a foot race between Szoboszlai and Haaland, with the Liverpool midfielder trying to pull Haaland back to prevent a clear chance.
Although the ball eventually rolled into the net—sparking wild celebrations among City players—referee Craig Pawson was advised to review the incident on the VAR monitor. It was determined that Haaland had also committed a foul by pulling Szoboszlai’s shirt after the initial holding offence.
As a result, Pawson overturned the goal, explaining that under PGMOL guidelines, City’s advantage had to be stopped due to Haaland’s infringement. Szoboszlai was then shown a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Haaland accepted the decision but expressed sympathy for his opponent. He said the referee had to apply the rules but felt sorry for Szoboszlai, who now faces a three-match ban. Haaland added that he would have preferred the goal to stand rather than seeing a player sent off, but acknowledged that the laws left little room for interpretation.
The Premier League later backed the referee’s call in an official Match Centre statement on social media. It confirmed that VAR ruled out the goal due to Haaland’s foul, while also noting that Szoboszlai’s earlier holding offence warranted a red card. The final outcome was a direct free kick to Manchester City and Szoboszlai’s dismissal.
