Slot: Guehi’s foul on Salah was a clear red card (1:31)

Video assistant referee causes controversy every week in the Premier League, but how are decisions made and are they correct?

This season, we take a look at the major incidents to examine and explain the process both in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.

Andy Davies (@andydaviesref) is a former Select Group referee, with over 12 seasons on the elite list, working across the Premier League and Championship. With extensive experience at the elite level, he has operated within the VAR space in the Premier League and offers a unique insight into the processes, rationale and protocols that are delivered on a Premier League matchday.

Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City

Referee: Craig Pawson

VAR: John Brooks

This was a thriller that saw Liverpool take the lead, only for Man City to score two answered goals to complete a 2-1 comeback. The win for Man City changed the dynamic of the Premier League title race, while the loss for Liverpool marked a setback in their bid to qualify for the Champions League.

Suffice to say, this was a huge match with high stakes, and a number of calls and non-calls had a major impact on how the game played out. There were three key incidents where the referee and VAR had to make big decisions, so let’s review them all …

Time: 68th minute

Incident: A possible red card to Man City’s Marc Guéhi for DOGSO (denial of a goalscoring opportunity)

What happened: Mohamed Salah was played in by teammate Dominik Szoboszlai beyond the Manchester City back line, and Guéhi pulled Salah to the ground as he advanced on goal. Referee Pawson awarded a free kick and issued a yellow card to Guéhi. Liverpool shouted for a red card, but the VAR agreed with the call on the field.



VAR decision: The referee’s call of a free kick and yellow card to Guéhi for the challenge on Salah was checked and confirmed by VAR. As the challenge came outside of the penalty area, they deemed it not to be DOGSO as there was a covering defender.

VAR review: The on-field decision and their descriptive rationale would have been the foundation of this review. For any possible overturn in this situation, the VAR would have to have absolute evidence that the holding offence denied an obvious goalscoring opportunity as opposed to a probable one. The angle that Salah was travelling and the positioning of the City defender created a level of doubt for the VAR and therefore the on-field decision was checked and cleared.

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Verdict: When you analyse the details of this situation, it’s marginal and I’m confident this should be a “ref’s call” as it was on the day.

Two key considerations for the on-field officiating team that would have created an element of doubt are Salah’s ability to shoot instantly if the hold had not occurred, along with the position of the covering defender.

In a DOGSO situation when the outcome is not a clear cut, the refereeing team will have a gut feel about what the decision should be — this moment was no different. The outcome could’ve gone either way, but VAR was correct not to intervene in this decision.



Time: 90th+1 minute

Incident: A penalty kick is awarded to Manchester City

What happened: Man City’s Matheus Nunes was clattered by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker after Nunes clipped the ball over the advancing keeper.

VAR decision: The referee’s call of penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR, with Alisson deemed to have not played the ball and made heavy contact on Nunes.

VAR review: This was a straightforward check for John Brooks, the video assistant referee. The on-field communication between referee Pawson and his assistant would have explained exactly what the replays showed and therefore it was a simple check complete. The only element that required confirmation by Brooks was to ensure that the ball was still in play when contact was made by Alisson on Nunes.

Verdict: It was the correct decision by the referee to award a penalty to Man City after Alisson clattered into Nunes. Alisson was late, made no contact on the ball and a penalty was the correct and expected outcome.

Time: 90th+10 minute

Incident: VAR intervened to disallow a Man City goal and send off Liverpool defender Dominik Szoboszlai for DOGSO.

What happened: With Liverpool’s goalkeeper upfield and chasing a late equaliser, Manchester City attacker Rayan Cherki struck the ball towards an empty net. Man City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Szoboszlai competed in a one-on-one foot race to the ball, a race Haaland looked certain to win.

The City striker had outpaced Szoboszlai while entering the final attacking third when he was pulled back by the Liverpool defender, a clear illegal act to stop Haaland from retrieving the loose ball.

The foul was obvious and recognised by referee Pawson – however, the referee allowed the game to play on as the ball was about to enter the goal regardless of any offence.

With the ball rolling towards an empty net, the now advanced Liverpool defender attempted to slide in and clear the ball, however, before Szoboszlai could do so, Haaland in-turn pulled him back, stopping Szoboszlai from playing the ball and the ball trickled into the empty net.

Referee Pawson awarded the goal scored by Man City.

VAR decision: After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Manchester City.

Here is then referee’s exact announcement: “After review, there is a careless foul by Erling Haaland that pulls the shirt of Dominic Szoboszlai. Prior to that, Szoboszlai commits a holding offence that denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The final decision is a direct free kick to Manchester City and a red card.”

VAR review: VAR John Brooks would have known quickly that this was going to be a complex review given the circumstances that occurred.

Each of the two holding offences would have been broken down individually by Brooks with the on-field rationale to ultimately award the goal by the on-field team, applied against the factual replay.

The holding offence by Haaland was the starting point, as a goal cannot be allowed to stand after a such clear foul has been committed by an attacker — so an on-field review was to be recommended for the City goal to be disallowed for a clear foul.

Secondly, once the goal had been disallowed by the referee at the screen, the VAR would show Pawson replays of the clear holding offence by Szoboszlai, which denied Haaland an obvious goal scoring opportunity, recommending a red card for the Liverpool defender.

The sequence of events were packaged up for Pawson to review once at the screen and, having considered the information and replays offered by the VAR, Pawson agreed with Brooks, correctly disallowing the goal and sending the Liverpool player off.

Verdict: This is a unique situation and one that football fans won’t necessarily like or understand. However, the Laws of the Game left the VAR and ultimately the referee with no other options.

The pull by Haaland, denying Szoboszlai the chance to clear the ball, has to be penalised and this naturally leads to the original offence being considered and a red card, correctly given to the Liverpool defender.

This would have undoubtedly been a difficult situation for both the VAR and referee to find themselves, as the fallout post-match would have been obvious to them at the moment. However, to ignore law in favour of the most acceptable and understandable outcome in such a complex situation with Man City already winning the game was not an option and, who knows, that goal may be all important come the end of the season.

Mainoo embodies Man United’s rise under Carrick in win vs. Spurs

Could Carrick’s Man United finish above Man City? (2:12)

MANCHESTER, England — In an alternate universe, Kobbie Mainoo is playing for someone other than Manchester United right now. Perhaps he’d be wearing the light blue of Napoli, given the Serie A champions twice showed interest in signing the midfielder during his miserable year under Ruben Amorim.

Instead, Mainoo’s nightmare has been ended by head coach Michael Carrick rather than Antonio Conte. And with the 20-year-old back in favor and wearing red, United and Carrick have won four Premier League games in a row.

The latest, Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, had plenty to do with Cristian Romero’s first-half red card, but also Mainoo’s assured performance in the center of the pitch.

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It’s natural after such a sharp uplift in results to look at what’s made the difference. The two most obvious changes are the switch from three at the back to four and the decision to bring Mainoo back in from the cold.

There are valid reasons to have sympathy for Amorim. But it is difficult to understand how the Portuguese coach ever arrived at the conclusion that his team was far better with Mainoo absent from it. He has already played more Premier League minutes for Carrick this season than he did for Amorim.

“There’s no doubt about Kobbie’s ability and what he can bring,” Carrick said postmatch. “He’s still so young and learning the game. He has had the big high and then not playing for a bit. It is easier to think he is older than he is.”

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You imagine that after so long on the sideline, Mainoo is still getting up to speed. He might have lost some of his match rhythm while he’s been sitting on the bench — although you wouldn’t necessarily know it watching him play — but he hasn’t forgotten how to bend the ball to his will.

Just look at United’s first goal. United first-team coach Jonny Evans got a thank you from Carrick for thinking up the short-corner routine that put the home side ahead after 38 minutes. And while the idea was clever, it only worked because Mainoo’s run out from the front post toward the corner flag was timed to perfection, and his no-look, over-the-shoulder pass to Bryan Mbeumo was pinpoint.

It’s the type of touch that Mainoo produces countless times over the course of 90 minutes. Most go largely unnoticed. This one led to a crucial goal as United found the net less than 10 minutes after Romero’s red card. “The first goal is vital to get ahead,” Carrick said afterward.

Another delicate flick in the second half teed up Diogo Dalot’s cross for Bruno Fernandes to make it 2-0. That ended any hope of a Spurs comeback, and ensured that United will end the weekend still in the top four.

Kobbie Mainoo looked on his way out of Manchester United as they struggled under Ruben Amorim. Now he’s pivotal in their revival under Michael Carrick. ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA/Shutterstock

Mainoo also got an assist in the 3-2 win at Arsenal, and his recent form raises the possibility that he could yet make a late run into England’s FIFA World Cup squad. Continue like this between now and the next international break in March and it will be difficult for England boss Thomas Tuchel to ignore. Impress in the last camp before the trip to the U.S. and there’s every chance of a seat on the plane. It’s less than two years ago that Mainoo, then a teenager, started for his country in the final of a European Championship.

“There is definitely more to come,” Carrick said. “That is the stage he is at in his career. Learning the game, playing next to Casemiro and learning from him. Things he isn’t even realizing he is picking up. That is part of his journey to learn and develop.”

Things have changed quickly for Mainoo, and also for Spurs boss Thomas Frank. It wasn’t so long ago that the Danish coach was in demand at Brentford and being courted, among others, by United. Now, there are doubts that he’s still wanted at Tottenham.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot with Manchester City’s Marc Guehi after the match

Former FIFA referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has given his verdict on the decision not to send Marc Guehi off for denying Mohamed Salah a goalscoring opportunity in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester City.

Although neither side could break the deadlock in the first half, the hosts believed they should have been given an advantage when the England international pulled Salah back outside the box as he raced through on goal. VAR reviewed the on-field decision, agreeing that a booking was the only punishment required.

It seemed as though that decision would not matter in the end when Dominik Szoboszlai struck a sweet free-kick past Gianluigi Donnarumma for a late opener. But Bernardo Silva’s equaliser and Erling Haaland’s penalty ultimately led to a famous comeback victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot before facing Barnsley in the FA Cup.

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot

In the end, the biggest drama of the match came at the end of the game as City had a third goal ruled out for fouls made by Haaland and Szoboszlai, which led to the latter being sent off. But that didn’t stop Slot from voicing his frustration with the earlier decision concerning Guehi and Salah after the final whistle.

The Dutch manager, when asked if his side had been wronged during the game, said: “We can talk about every incident and everybody has an opinion about this. That’s the difficulty in football, there are never 100 to nil decisions.

“If I had to talk about one moment, I would like to talk about the time Mo [Salah] was through on goal and Guehi held his shirt.

“Everyone who has been in this stadium for the past eight years knows that if Mo Salah comes in that situation, it’s a goal. So that is definitely a goalscoring opportunity.

“Maybe that is an 80/20 split, we can find 20 people from the PGMOL who don’t think it’s a red card. But I think in general everyone who looks at it will tell you that should have been a red card.”

Check Out Slot’s Comments Below:

Hackett Gives View on Decision to Show Guehi a Yellow Card

Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah react after referee Craig Pawson awards a penalty to Manchester City

The Premier League’s Match Centre had explained the referee’s decision on social media, indicating that a covering defender meant that it was not a DOGSO offence. They stated: “The referee’s call of a free-kick and yellow card to Guehi for the challenge on Salah was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge outside of the area and deemed not to be denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) as there was a covering defender.

And while Slot might feel as though Guehi deserved to receive his marching orders for the offence, Hackett ultimately reached the same conclusion that the officials did. Speaking to Football Insider, the former PGMOL chief believes that a defender’s presence in the area meant that it wasn’t an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

“Yellow card the correct decision. Does not fulfil denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity due to the position of the covering defender.”

Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports as a pundit, also believes the correct decision was reached. He said: “I think it was the right decision.

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“It’s one of them which frustrates you when it’s against you. I totally understand Slot. I think Pep Guardiola would say the same if it was on the other side.

“I think there’s enough doubt to not give the red card. For me, the decision was right.”

Why was Dominik Szoboszlai sent off? VAR controversy explained as Man City goal ruled out in win over Liverpool

Manchester City’s crucial 2-1 victory over Liverpool ended in bizarre scenes at Anfield as Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity – despite City scoring a goal from that opportunity.

Szoboszlai had earlier scored a stunning free-kick to give Liverpool the lead, before Bernardo Silva poached an equaliser and Erling Haaland converted a late penalty to give City the advantage in added time.

Rayan Cherki thought he had scored a bizarre late, late third to cap a wild game, shooting from the halfway line with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker well out of his area – only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review, which led to Szoboszlai being sent off instead.

The Hungarian international had tussled with Haaland as Cherki’s shot rolled into the empty net, and although referee Craig Pawson was initially happy for the goal to stand, he later changed his decision to a free-kick and red card after consulting his pitch-side monitor.

Premier League officials later explained that they had no choice but to rule out the goal, because Haaland’s foul on Szoboszlai effectively cancelled out the advantage played after Szoboszlai’s initial foul and meant the game had to be stopped before the ball crossed the line.

Pawson explained to the Anfield crowd: “After review, there is a careless foul by Erling Haaland on the shirt of Dominik Szoboszlai. Prior to that, Szoboszlai commits a holding offence that denies an obvious goalscoring opportunity. The final decision is a direct free-kick to Manchester City and a red card.”

Here’s an article covering the VAR errors and controversy from Liverpool vs Manchester City today (8 February 2026) — including reactions, key incidents, and the wider impact on the Premier League title race.

GB News

VAR just ruined ‘moment of the season’ as Liverpool and Man City BOTH left furious by controversial decision

Liverpool v Manchester City ends in drama and VAR controversy

Why was Dominik Szoboszlai sent off? VAR controversy explained as Man City goal ruled out in win over Liverpool

Manchester City snatches dramatic win — but VAR steals the headlines

In a hugely dramatic Premier League clash at Anfield today, Manchester City came from behind to beat Liverpool 2–1, keeping their title hopes alive in the 2025-26 season. Dominik Szoboszlai put Liverpool ahead with a stunning free-kick, but Bernardo Silva equalised late and Erling Haaland scored the decisive stoppage-time penalty. �

Reuters

However, the match will be remembered less for the goals and more for the VAR decisions that dominated the final minutes.

Controversial VAR interventions

⚽ 1. Disallowed goal in the 100th minute

Perhaps the most contentious moment came in injury time when Rayan Cherki appeared to score what would have been a sensational winner from deep (with Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson upfield for a set piece). After a VAR review, the goal was ruled out, not for offside or handball, but because VAR determined that earlier in the move Dominik Szoboszlai had fouled Erling Haaland — denying him a clear goal-scoring opportunity. �

Reuters

That decision simultaneously saw Szoboszlai sent off, adding to the drama. �

AOL

📍 2. Red card and foul interpretation

The red card for Szoboszlai stemmed directly from the VAR review — a decision that has sparked intense debate. Critics argue the contact was minimal or incidental, while officials judged it sufficient to overturn play and issue a card. �

AOL

🔥 3. Broader reaction from pundits and fans

Pundits, former players, and supporters from both camps were left furious by the late ruling. Sky commentary and former pros described the moment as ruining a “moment of the season,” while social media buzzed with frustration about VAR’s late intervention. �

GB News +1

Erling Haaland — at the heart of the incident — also drew attention for his reaction after the VAR decision was confirmed. �

Athlon Sports

How VAR shaped the result

The controversial VAR ruling didn’t just affect the final goal — it changed the narrative of the game entirely:

Liverpool will feel aggrieved — they held the lead and appeared on the verge of a morale-boosting win before the late twist.

Manchester City gained a crucial three points, narrowing their gap on leaders Arsenal and keeping pressure on in the title race.

VAR’s involvement in the final play will likely be discussed for days, with debates around consistency and interpretation. �

Reuters

The bigger picture — VAR in the Premier League

VAR controversies in the Liverpool vs Man City fixture are not isolated. Over the season, Liverpool have frequently felt on the wrong side of VAR decisions — with some being overturned or disallowed in ways that have frustrated fans and pundits alike. �

This Is Anfield

Critics argue that VAR continues to intervene in moments that should be left to the referee’s original judgment, while supporters say the technology helps prevent obvious mistakes. The challenge remains ensuring consistency and clarity across all matches.

What fans and clubs are saying

Liverpool fans and pundits expressed outrage on social media and in post-match analysis, calling the VAR call “bizarre” and “moment-ruining.”

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola acknowledged the intensity and drama of the match but praised his team’s resilience in the face of pressure. �

The Independent

Conclusion

Today’s Liverpool vs Manchester City match will be remembered as much for its controversial VAR decisions as for the football itself. Whether that controversy will lead to renewed calls for reform or simply another chapter in ongoing VAR debates remains to be seen — but one thing’s for certain: the Premier League’s relationship with video technology shows no signs of calming yet.

If you want, I can also break down each VAR incident with video clips or expert analysis on whether they were correct — just let me know!