Gary Neville has criticized the VAR intervention that overturned Rayan Cherki's stoppage-time goal and led to Dominik Szoboszlai's red card in Manchester City's controversial 2-1 win over Liverpool. The goal, scored from the halfway line after Alisson was caught upfield, sparked wild celebrations at Anfield before being disallowed for Erling Haaland's foul on Szoboszlai during the buildup.

The decision forced referee Craig Pawson to also consider an earlier pull by Szoboszlai on Haaland, resulting in the Liverpool midfielder being sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Neville labeled the officials "killjoys" during Sky Sports commentary, arguing the moment represented one of the season's most dramatic scenes that VAR had effectively erased from the game.

Cherki's would-be goal came as City mounted a furious late comeback, with fans even briefly invading the pitch in celebration. Neville emphasized that while the correct decision was reached, the timing and context made the intervention feel particularly harsh. The former Manchester United defender noted that 10 City players had run to celebrate with Haaland, creating what he called "a golden moment" that VAR had taken away from football.

Haaland himself expressed sympathy for Szoboszlai, suggesting the officials should have simply allowed the goal. The striker, who scored the decisive penalty, admitted the rules required the red card but questioned whether VAR needed to intervene in such an emotional moment of the match.

Quick Fact: The controversial VAR decision occurred during stoppage time in Manchester City's 2-1 victory over Liverpool on February 8, 2026.