In what proved to be one of the most chaotic Premier League games of the season, Liverpool lost 2-1 at home to Manchester City. The game ended in dramatic fashion as Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off while the away team had a goal ruled out.
The Hungarian midfielder had opened the scoring, smashing in a stunning free-kick to put Liverpool ahead 1-0. Bernardo Silva hit back for Pep Guardiola's side, though, netting with just six minutes of normal time to play. Alisson Becker then fouled Matheus Nunes in injury time, allowing Erling Haaland to make it 2-1 from the penalty spot.
Looking for redemption, the Brazilian goalkeeper charged up for a set-piece with seconds to play. However, the ball was eventually cleared and Rayan Cherki passed the ball in from the halfway line. His effort was so slow, Szoboszlai and Haaland literally wrestled one another before it eventually trickled in. Their altercation was enough for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out.
Craig Pawson Explained Dominik Szoboszlai Red Card Decision
A statement from the Premier League has explained why the goal was ruled out. The Match Centre shared the comments from referee Craig Pawson who said:
"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.”
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Gary Neville Baffled by the Decision
Liverpool v Manchester City - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - February 8, 2026 Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai is challenged by Manchester City's Erling Haaland as Rayan Cherki scores a goal which is later disallowed before Szoboszlai is sent off upon VAR review for an earlier offence
Gary Neville was baffled by the decision to rule out the goal, saying: "He's saying you cannot play advantage, but then ignore that. That feels so unjust." He added:
"There's no football person who would disallow that goal."
Neville wasn't the only one who took issue with the call, with journalist Sam Lee taking to X to write: "If the ref had felt that Dom S had fouled Haaland in real time he'd surely have just let play develop and then, ultimately, play advantage? Advantage being a goal. VAR again, total rubbish. GET RID."
Erling Haaland actually defended Pawson's call, but did say he felt bad for Szoboszlai and seemed more annoyed with Cherki. Speaking after the game, he told reporters:
"For me, of course, the referee has to follow the rules. But in the end, I feel bad for him [Dominik Szoboszlai] because he gets three games [ban] - just give the goal, don't give the red card. Simple as that. But I think it's the rules, it's just how it is..."
"In the end, Cherki, just pass me the ball so I can score. But he didn't want to, so that's just how it is..."