VAR Decisions Cause Big Talk After Man City Beat Liverpool

The football match between Manchester City and Liverpool had important moments decided by VAR. A goal was not allowed, and a player got a red card. These decisions are making many people talk about how VAR works in games.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

This match between Manchester City and Liverpool was a closely contested affair, marked by several contentious decisions made by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The outcome hinged on crucial moments, including a disallowed goal for Manchester City and a red card for Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai. These decisions have prompted widespread discussion and analysis among football experts and fans alike, highlighting the complex and often debated role of VAR in modern football.

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Context of the Match

The Premier League clash between Manchester City and Liverpool saw the league leaders face off in a high-stakes encounter. The game was tight, with Manchester City ultimately securing a 2-1 victory. However, the final score and the manner in which it was reached were significantly influenced by VAR interventions.

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  • Date of Match: The articles suggest the match took place around November 9, 2025.

  • Key Officials: Referee Craig Pawson was in charge of the match, with John Brooks as the VAR.

  • Timeline of Incidents:

  • A penalty was awarded to Manchester City in the 90+1st minute.

  • A Manchester City goal was disallowed, and Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off in the 90+10th minute.

  • Earlier in the game, Jeremy Doku was awarded a penalty for Manchester City in the first half.

Incidents and VAR Interventions

Several key moments in the match led to VAR reviews and subsequent decisions that have drawn considerable attention.

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Ex-Premier League referee explains why VAR was RIGHT in Man City vs Liverpool controversy - 3

Szoboszlai's Red Card and Disallowed Goal

The most debated incident involved Dominik Szoboszlai. In the dying moments of the match, with Manchester City leading 2-1, Erling Haaland and Szoboszlai were in a race for the ball. The VAR intervened to disallow a Manchester City goal and issue a red card to Szoboszlai.

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  • The Foul: Reports indicate that Szoboszlai fouled Haaland. The nature and severity of this foul, particularly whether it constituted a denial of a goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO), have been central to the debate.

  • The Goal: The disallowed Manchester City goal, seemingly scored by Rayan Cherki, occurred in stoppage time. Gary Neville suggested that this intervention "ruined a golden moment" and fueled arguments that VAR is detrimental to the game.

  • Explanations: Ex-Premier League referees have explained that the referee was correct to play advantage after Szoboszlai's initial foul, and the subsequent intervention by VAR was to address the foul itself and the denial of a goal-scoring opportunity.

Manchester City's Penalty Award

Earlier in the match, Manchester City was awarded a penalty.

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  • The Incident: The penalty was given after Jeremy Doku was fouled.

  • Premier League Explanation: The Premier League has provided an explanation for this decision, stating that VAR intervened after reviewing the foul on Doku. Some reports describe the contact as "minimal," leading to pundit disagreement.

Other VAR Controversies Mentioned

While not directly related to the key decisions in this specific match, the context of VAR controversies involving the involved referees and teams is noted:

  • Referee Craig Pawson: Has officiated Liverpool more than any other team and has a strong winning record with Manchester City. He is described as one of the more lenient referees.

  • VAR Michael Oliver: Was on VAR duty for this match. He has reportedly been banned from officiating games involving two specific clubs due to being a supporter of Newcastle United. He also faced criticism from Liverpool supporters earlier in the year for decisions in a draw against Everton.

Differing Perspectives on VAR Decisions

The VAR interventions in the Manchester City vs. Liverpool match have generated a range of opinions.

Argument for Correctness of VAR Decisions

  • Szoboszlai Incident: Ex-Premier League referees have stated that VAR was right to disallow the goal and send off Szoboszlai. The foul was considered to have denied Manchester City a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

  • Foul Play: It is argued that Szoboszlai "pulled" Haaland's shirt, and while many pulls are played on, this instance led to a loss of balance and a denial of a clear chance.

  • Handball Law: In separate incidents, the application of handball laws has been discussed, with some decisions deemed "spot on" based on current guidance.

Argument Against VAR Decisions or Their Impact

  • "Killjoy" Effect: The late drama of Szoboszlai's red card and the disallowed goal has been labeled a "killjoy" by some, with Gary Neville stating it "erased one of the moments of the season" and ammunition for those who feel VAR ruins football.

  • Referee's Judgment: Jürgen Klopp has accused referees of "hiding behind VAR," implying a lack of confidence in their on-field decisions.

  • "Minimal Contact": The nature of the foul leading to Manchester City's penalty has been questioned, with claims of "minimal contact."

Expert Analysis

Several football figures and former referees have weighed in on the VAR decisions.

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  • Ex-Premier League Referee: Confirmed that VAR was correct in the Szoboszlai incident, explaining the play-on-advantage rule and the DOGSO aspect.

  • Gary Neville: Expressed disappointment, stating the disallowed goal was a "golden moment" that was taken away from the game.

  • Howard Webb (PGMOL Chief): Defended the decision not to award Liverpool a late penalty in a previous match against Manchester City, emphasizing the need for clarity and certainty in crucial decisions.

Conclusion and Implications

The match between Manchester City and Liverpool served as a focal point for the ongoing debate surrounding VAR in the Premier League. The decisions to disallow a late Manchester City goal and send off Dominik Szoboszlai, alongside the awarding of a penalty to Manchester City, have been subject to intense scrutiny.

  • Conflicting Interpretations: While some former officials and analysts support the VAR interventions as being correct under the laws of the game, others argue that the decisions detract from the excitement and flow of football.

  • Impact on Trust: The recurrence of such controversial decisions raises questions about consistency and transparency in VAR application, potentially impacting trust in the officiating.

  • Future Considerations: The discussions highlight the need for continued refinement of VAR protocols and clearer communication to ensure that these interventions enhance, rather than detract from, the spectator experience and the integrity of the competition.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the match between Manchester City and Liverpool?
Manchester City won the match with a score of 2-1.
Q: What were the main VAR issues?
A Manchester City goal was disallowed, and Dominik Szoboszlai from Liverpool got a red card.
Q: Was the penalty for Manchester City correct?
Manchester City was given a penalty after Jeremy Doku was fouled. Some people think the contact was small.
Q: What do some experts think about the red card?
Some former referees say the red card for Szoboszlai was correct because he stopped a clear chance to score.
Q: What do others think about VAR?
Some people, like Gary Neville, feel that VAR takes away exciting moments from the game and is not good for football.