){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=logo}
OVI
){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=logo}
JUV
){kind=small}
COMO
){kind=small}
Bundesl){kind=logo}
KOE
){kind=logo}
TSG
){kind=small}
FCB
){kind=logo}
SGE
){kind=logo}
FCU
){kind=logo}
B04
){kind=logo}
WOB
){kind=logo}
FCA
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
AVL
){kind=logo}
LEE
){kind=small}
BRE
){kind=logo}
BHA
){kind=logo}
CHE
){kind=small}
BUR
){kind=small}
NPFL){kind=logo}
WWF
){kind=small}
WIK
){kind=small}
RST
){kind=logo}
BET
){kind=small}
RAY
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=logo}
LENS
){kind=small}
ASM
){kind=logo}
LEC
){kind=small}
INT
){kind=small}
RBL
){kind=small}
BVB
){kind=small}
WHU
){kind=small}
BOU
){kind=small}
OSA
){kind=logo}
RMA
){kind=small}
TFC
){kind=logo}
PAR
){kind=logo}
CGL
){kind=small}
LAZ
){kind=small}
MCI
){kind=logo}
NEW
AFCON 2025
)
The Manchester City match winner Erling Haaland pitied Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai after his controversial sending off
Manchester City’s dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool delivered goals, chaos, and a VAR moment that has kept football fans arguing long after the final whistle.
While many voices criticised the decision to rule out City’s late third goal, Erling Haaland took a calmer route, backing referee Craig Pawson while still showing sympathy for Dominik Szoboszlai.
Chaotic late moment sparks debate despite City victory
The match had already swung wildly before the final talking point. Liverpool went ahead through a stunning Dominik Szoboszlai free kick in the 74th minute, putting pressure on City in the title race.
Pep Guardiola’s side responded quickly, with Bernardo Silva levelling things up before Haaland converted a stoppage-time penalty to put City ahead. With Liverpool pushing for an equaliser and Alisson out of his goal, the game turned chaotic.
Rayan Cherki fired a low shot toward the empty net from distance. As the ball rolled goalwards, Szoboszlai pulled Haaland’s shirt, with Pawson allowing play to continue. Moments later, Haaland pulled Szoboszlai back, both players fell, and the ball crossed the line.
VAR intervened and ruled Haaland’s pull meant play had to be brought back to punish Szoboszlai’s earlier foul. The goal was ruled out, City were awarded a free kick, and Szoboszlai was sent off, leaving both teams frustrated for different reasons.
Haaland backs referee but admits sympathy for Szoboszlai
Speaking after the match, Haaland showed understanding toward both the referee and his opponent.
“I think for me of course the referee has to follow the rules,” Haaland said. He admitted he felt bad for the Liverpool midfielder, adding: “This will give him three games, I feel bad for him, he gets three games, just give the goal don't give the red card.”
The Norwegian striker also accepted the reality of the decision, saying: “(But) it's the rules so this is how it is.”
Despite the emotional reaction around the stadium, the decision stands. Szoboszlai is now expected to serve a suspension for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, even though City still walked away with a crucial win.