VAR Drama: Man City's Stunning Third Goal Against Liverpool Sparks Controversy After Shocking Disallowance

The fundamental principle that "two wrongs don't make a right" was central to the complicated disappointment Manchester City experienced following their Sunday triumph at Anfield against Liverpool.

Rayan Cherki succeeded in scoring from 50 yards out, but his strike was ruled out by VAR in what became one of the most unforgettable (and bewildering) endings to any Premier League fixture.

Liverpool's defensive half was vacant except for Dominik Szoboszlai as the home team sought a method to reverse Manchester City's 2–1 advantage on Sunday evening. Cherki received possession in the middle of the field and pushed it ahead with what appeared to be part shot, part pass toward the advancing Erling Haaland.

Szoboszlai possesses many abilities, but stopping the Norwegian powerhouse at maximum velocity isn't among them. With both players positioned 20 yards from the penalty box, Liverpool's defensive midfielder grabbed Haaland from behind. City's striker remained upright long enough to grasp Szoboszlai's red jersey. Both players tumbled to the ground as the ball rolled across the goal line, much to Cherki's amazement and joy.

Those feelings quickly transformed into anger.

Referee Explains Why Rayan Cherki's 50-Yard Goal Was Disallowed

Referee Explains Why Rayan Cherki's 50-Yard Goal Was Disallowed

Absolutely no one wanted that goal disallowed or Szoboszlai sent off. pic.twitter.com/049ryd8qpg

During the resulting confusion, referee Craig Pawson received communication from VAR official John Brooks: Review the incident on the sideline monitor.

As Pawson would clarify to the puzzled Anfield spectators: "Following review, there is a reckless foul by Erling Haaland, who tugs Dominic Szoboszlai's shirt. Before that incident, Szoboszlai commits a holding violation that prevents a clear goal scoring chance. The ultimate ruling is a direct free kick for Manchester City and a red card."

The official correctly allowed play to continue after Szoboszlai's original infringement. Nevertheless, this doesn't permit Haaland to violate the rules as well. The forward's violation—occurring before the ball crosses the goal line—ends the advantage period, requiring the referee to return to the original foul.

Since Szoboszlai was the final defender and Haaland faced an empty net, there's minimal question that he prevented his former RB Salzburg colleague from having a clear scoring chance, resulting in a direct red card and single-match suspension.

Pep Guardiola Sums Up Universal Reaction to Disallowed Man City Goal

Pep Guardiola Sums Up Universal Reaction to Disallowed Man City Goal

Pawson's choice to cancel what would have been the most delicate 50-yard strike in Premier League history generated widespread criticism. Gary Neville called the official a "spoilsport" during Sky Sports coverage while some social media users criticized the very existence of such regulations.

Football belongs to players and fans, not to soulless, joyless pedants with no feel for the game. Senseless decision, an affront to football. Ruling out that third goal is one of the most ridiculous moments of the season, totally against the spirit of the game. The law's an ass,…

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

Others highlighted that Haaland should actually be the person facing criticism instead of VAR for unnecessarily fouling Szoboszlai.

People are saying VAR was wrong and that they should just "play advantage".

They do that and it's no goal and a foul by Haaland; freekick to Liverpool for the tug on Szo.

By Haaland making that tug back, he gave VAR no choice.

Don't understand why folks can't comprehend that.

Haaland didn't view the situation similarly. "Just award the goal, don't issue a red card. It's that straightforward," he remarked. "If Cherki had simply passed me the ball so I could score... but he chose not to, so that's the way it goes!"

Guardiola expressed nearly identical sentiments as his striker. "Come on referee, award the goal and let's move on!"