Haaland expresses sympathy for referee amid VAR chaos in City’s win over Liverpool
Erling Haaland has admitted he feels sympathy for referee Craig Pawson following VAR drama at the end of Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, reports BritPanorama.
City led after a late penalty from Haaland, but Liverpool surged forward in search of an equaliser. Alisson Becker left his goal exposed after going up for a corner, allowing City to break quickly. Rayan Cherki composedly slotted the ball into an empty net from distance, seemingly sealing the win for the visitors.
However, the effort was controversially disallowed. VAR intervened after reviewing a grappling incident involving Haaland and Dominik Szoboszlai as the ball crossed the line. After the check, Pawson overruled Cherki’s goal and dismissed Szoboszlai, with a direct free-kick awarded to City instead.
Post-match, Haaland voiced his feelings regarding Pawson’s decision, noting, “Of course, the referee had to follow the rules but this will give him three games. In the end, I feel bad for him because he gets three games. Just give the goal, don’t give a red card. Simple as that.” His comments underscore the pressures officials face in high-stakes matches.
The outcome held significant importance for City, as they sought to maintain their position in the title race. At one point, following an impressive free-kick from Szoboszlai, they appeared at risk of dropping points. Yet, Bernardo Silva managed to equalise, before Haaland’s composed penalty in stoppage time clinched a vital victory.
Silva reflected on the match, saying, “The whole team knew that if we lost this game, probably the title race is over.” City’s resilience, displayed through their late comeback, not only keeps their title ambitions alive but also serves as a psychological boost against fierce rivals Arsenal.
Commenting on the match’s implications, Roy Keane remarked that City’s victory provides a significant psychological advantage. He stated, “It’s more than three points. Psychologically it’s a big lift — and a bit of a hammer blow for Arsenal.” The repercussions of this match extend beyond the immediate, reflecting the shifting dynamics of this season’s competitive landscape.
In the world of football, where fine margins often dictate outcomes, this game is a poignant reminder of how quickly fortunes can change — a late goal, a contentious VAR decision, and suddenly the narrative flips on its head.
