Liverpool's Slot slams referee for Szoboszlai red-card vs City: Where's the rule book?

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot hit out at the match officials after Dominik Szoboszlai was shown a late red card in the dramatic closing stages of Manchester City’s 2-1 comeback win over the Reds at Anfield. The defeat dented Liverpool’s push for a Champions League spot, while City’s victory brought them within six points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

The flashpoint came in stoppage time when Szoboszlai was sent off following VAR intervention. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Slot refused to dwell on the Hungarian’s dismissal and instead pointed to an earlier incident involving Mohamed Salah as the bigger talking point.

“That is not the incident we should talk about,” Slot said. “Maybe he should have left it for a goal as it is, but if that is the rule that is what we have to accept.

“If there is any incident we should talk about, it's when Mo Salah is one on one with the goalkeeper. Anyone who has been to this stadium in the last seven or eight years, that is a goal for Salah. Once again, the referee decides not in our favour. They have to do their job.”

The incident Slot heated up about came when Liverpool appealed for a red card after Marc Guehi pulled down Salah outside the box as the forward surged towards goal. Pawson awarded only a yellow card, with VAR confirming the decision as there was deemed to be a covering defender.

Why did Szoboszlai get a red-card vs City?

Szoboszlai’s red card arrived in the 90th+10 minute with Liverpool chasing a late equaliser and Alisson Becker pushing upfield. Manchester City substitute Rayan Cherki struck a long-range effort towards an empty net, with Erling Haaland racing clear to retrieve the loose ball.

Szoboszlai pulled Haaland back in an attempt to stop him, and while Pawson initially allowed play to continue and awarded the goal, VAR overturned the decision. The goal was disallowed and Szoboszlai was sent off for denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity.

What did Man City and Haaland say?

Haaland admitted he felt sympathy for the Liverpool midfielder, suggesting the outcome was harsh.

“Of course, the referee had to follow the rules but this will give him three games,” Haaland said. “In the end I feel bad for him because he gets three games.

“Just give the goal, don't give a red card. Simple as that. It's the rules and how it is.”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also questioned the decision-making, arguing the officials could have simply allowed the goal to stand.

“We won the game and now Szoboszlai cannot play,” Guardiola said. “I know he pulled him, but many pulls are there in a game where the referee says ‘play on’, ‘play on’, ‘play on’?

“So give a goal, 3-1, Szoboszlai can play and we are happy.”

City were also awarded a penalty after Alisson clattered into Matheus Nunes, a call that was again checked and upheld by VAR.

Ultimately, City’s 2-1 win reshaped the title race at the top, while Liverpool’s loss leaves them sixth, five points off the Champions League places, and now without Szoboszlai for the next three matches.