Ref and VAR: Did They Handle Szoboszlai’s Red Card in Liverpool vs Man City?

In a dramatic clash between Liverpool and Manchester City, a key moment arose involving Dominik Szoboszlai and Erling Haaland. The incident occurred as Alisson ventured upfield for a set piece while Liverpool sought a late equalizer.

Key Incident During the Match

As Rayan Cherki attempted to score from distance, Haaland sprinted to reach the ball. He successfully overtook Szoboszlai, who was 25 yards from the goal. However, Haaland was pulled back by Szoboszlai, resulting in a clear foul identified by referee Craig Pawson.

Referee’s Decision and VAR Review

Pawson initially played the advantage rule, allowing the play to continue. Ultimately, Szoboszlai’s intervention prevented Haaland from scoring just as he was about to clear the danger.

• When Szoboszlai fouled Haaland, the foul was a distinct incident from the subsequent opportunity.
• Szoboszlai was likely to stop the goal had he not been fouled.
• The advantage rule complicates the outcome as it pertains to the first foul.

If Szoboszlai had successfully cleared the ball, the referee would have reversed the call, resulting in a sending off due to denying a clear scoring opportunity. Thus, the VAR decision aligned with the potential consequences of the initial play.

Implications of the VAR Decision

This situation is not unique in football. The role of VAR continues to provoke intense discussions among fans and analysts alike. Disallowing the goal could prove crucial for both teams as the season progresses.

• The disallowed goal may impact Manchester City’s championship aspirations.
• Similarly, this outcome may have vital repercussions for Liverpool’s quest for points.

While the decision might be hard for some fans to digest, it serves as a reminder of the nuances involved in officiating. The interplay of rules and technology like VAR remains a pivotal part of modern football.

For more analysis on this incident and others, visit Filmogaz.com.