Credit: Imago, Football on TNT Sports

Evan Lloyd

Sat 4 April 2026 15:39, UK

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Manchester City have booked their place in the FA Cup semi-final after thumping Liverpool 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick and Antoine Semenyo found the net to further intensify the pressure on Arne Slot.

Liverpool had chances in the game – Mohamed Salah missed a bundle of good chances before he was denied from the spot by James Trafford – but were ultimately bettered on the day.

And it could have been even worse for Liverpool, had referee Michael Oliver not missed a blatant penalty incident in the first half.

Man City’s form has taken a serious step up in recent weeks, with Saturday’s superb result following their 2-0 win over Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup before the international break.

Keith Hackett slams Michael Oliver decision

Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has criticised Michael Oliver on previous occasions, with the referee often involved in controversy.

While it was ultimately a moment that did not weigh heavily on the score line, the former FIFA official was critical of the referee’s decision-making again on Saturday.

Just 17 minutes into the game, Man City came forward and broke into the penalty area with Haaland.

The Norway international looked up and cut the ball back to Rayan Cherki, who, when faced up with Milos Kerkez, touched the ball inside him.

The Hungarian went for the ball but got the man instead, taking the Man City player down for what looked to be a blatant penalty.

Oliver was unmoved, and so was VAR, ignoring the incident to the shock and outrage of the Etihad Stadium and Pep Guardiola.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett said: “That is a nailed-on penalty kick and amazing that it is not given.

“Michael Oliver, a potential World Cup official in the summer, really should have pointed to the penalty mark. Poor decision.”

Oliver gets other penalty decisions right

Saturday’s match was a busy one for Oliver, who ultimately ended up giving two penalties.

Unlike in the Cherki incident, he rightfully pointed to the spot when Nico O’Reilly was brought down inside the box by Virgil van Dijk in the first half.

And when Hugo Ekitike touched the ball past Matheus Nunes and was floored, the referee again came to the right decision and awarded a spot-kick.

The trouble, as is so often the case, is that the consistency was again lacking. Had Man City not gone on to win the game, Oliver may well have been facing serious questions.