Jamie O’Hara erupts at Liverpool vs Man City controversy as explosive post shared
Manchester City secured a huge result for their title push as they came from behind to win 2-1 away at Liverpool on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s side were staring a damaging defeat in the face in the latter stages of the game, as Dominik Szoboszlai’s piledriver of a free-kick put the hosts ahead in the 74th minute.
Bernardo Silva swiftly drew Manchester City back on level terms, before Erling Haaland converted a stoppage-time penalty to complete an invaluable comeback for the title challengers.
The Citizens’ title hopes had seemingly been in tatters as the game headed into the final stages at Anfield, but the remarkable turnaround ensured they were able to keep the pressure on Arsenal for another week at least.
Jamie O’Hara explodes at VAR for Dominik Szoboszlai red card
The clash between Liverpool and Manchester City was packed full of controversial moments, but the biggest talking point came in the final moments of stoppage time when Szoboszlai was sent off.
City broke forward with Alisson stranded up the pitch, and Rayan Cherki’s shot from distance eventually trickled into the open goal, despite Szoboszlai and Haaland grabbing each other while chasing after it.
The Liverpool man appeared to foul the City striker first, but then looked set to clear the ball off the goalline before he was dragged back.
On-field referee Craig Pawson initially allowed the goal to stand, but it was then checked by VAR, who instructed their colleague to pull the play back, not award the goal, and to show Szoboszlai a straight red card for the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity.
It was a moment that left supporters and pundits in disbelief, and Jamie O’Hara has since waded in with his verdict as he exploded at the VAR team during a strongly-worded post on X.
The talkSPORT presenter and former Tottenham midfielder outlined his belief that VAR has “ruined the game,” as we went on to say that “no one wants that moment to happen ever.”
Szoboszlai to miss Liverpool clash vs Sunderland
Szoboszlai has been a key player for Liverpool this season, and he even found a way to make a major impact on the game while filling in at right-back on Sunday.
He looked to have set the Reds on their way with one of his trademark long-range free-kicks, but things quickly turned sour for him in the latter stages as he was given his marching orders.
A straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity carries an automatic one-game suspension in the Premier League, meaning the Hungarian will miss his team’s trip to Sunderland on Wednesday.
Arne Slot is under major pressure after another disappointing result this weekend, and he will be hugely frustrated that he is now without one of his first names on the team sheet for a difficult midweek trip.
The Szoboszlai incident has dominated discussions in the aftermath of the game, and it could have a telling effect on Liverpool in their next outing as well.