Overview
- Referee Craig Pawson initially awarded the stoppage‑time goal at Anfield before telling VAR John Brooks, “I didn’t see that,” when shown Haaland’s hold on Dominik Szoboszlai.
- After advantage was first applied for Szoboszlai’s pull on Haaland, officials ruled the later contact meant the advantage could not stand, leading to a City free kick and a red card for DOGSO.
- PGMOL chief Howard Webb said there is a limit to common‑sense allowances, arguing the ball only entered the net because Haaland fouled Szoboszlai, so the goal could not be allowed.
- The audio and explanations were released on Match Officials Mic’d Up, offering rare transparency into the VAR‑referee dialogue behind the overturned goal and dismissal.
- Pundit reaction remained critical, with Gary Neville calling the outcome unjust, while the programme also featured referee Peter Bankes defending the decision to rule out Tottenham’s equaliser for a push on Gabriel.