Webb backs VAR decision to disallow Man City goal against Liverpool

PGMOL chief Howard Webb has supported the VAR intervention that ruled out Manchester City’s late goal against Liverpool due to a foul by Erling Haaland.

Referee Craig Pawson initially allowed Rayan Cherki’s strike into an unguarded net to stand during the Premier League encounter.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had been caught upfield, leaving the goal gaping for the City forward to apparently seal a 3-1 victory.

However, the goal was chalked off following a review by VAR John Brooks, with audio of the decision-making process now released.

Why the goal was overturned

Footage from the Match Officials Mic’d Up programme revealed Pawson admitted on the pitch that he “didn’t see” the crucial infringement.

Dominik Szoboszlai had initially pulled Haaland’s shirt, prompting the referee to play an advantage.

As the pair raced for the loose ball, the Norwegian striker then hauled down the Liverpool midfielder.

This second action prevented the Hungarian international from clearing the danger before Cherki scored.

Brooks was heard telling the on-field official via the headset that the contact meant the defender could not reach the ball.

Pawson acknowledged the first foul he had spotted but admitted he missed the subsequent holding offence by the City marksman.

Consequently, the goal was ruled out.

The match restarted with a City free-kick and Szoboszlai was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity regarding the initial foul.

‘A limit to common sense’

Speaking during live coverage, Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville described the technical application of the law as a “killjoy”.

The former Manchester United defender argued the ruling stripped the game of a dramatic moment by strictly adhering to the rulebook.

However, Webb insisted the officials had no choice but to intervene.

He addressed suggestions that “common sense” should have allowed the goal to stand despite the infractions.

“To referee at Premier League level, you need a feel for the game and an understanding, and we try to apply common sense where possible, but there’s a limit to that.”

Howard Webb, PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer

The refereeing chief clarified that the ball only entered the net because of Haaland’s specific action.

Webb concluded that ignoring a clear foul which prevented a clearance was impossible, regardless of the spectacle.