Erling Haaland admits to 'feeling bad' for Dominik Szoboszlaifollowing his chaotic sending off in Liverpool's defeat to Manchester City. The reigning champions slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Anfield on Sunday evening but the scoreline did not tell half the story.

Szoboszlai gave Liverpool the lead with a stunning free kick. But the hosts were pegged back as Bernardo Silva converted from Haaland's knockdown.

The Norwegian then seemingly secured three points with a stoppage time penalty. The drama was not done there though, as with goalkeeper Alisson up the pitch, Rayan Cherki attempted to score into an empty net from distance.

As Haaland and Szoboszlai desperately followed the ball as it trickled over the line, they appeared to pull each others' shirts. VAR then intervened, with the goal being cancelled and Szoboszlai given his marching orders.

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Haaland claimed he could sympathise with the Hungarian in the aftermath. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "Of course, the referee had to follow the rules but this will give him three games, 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. If Cherki just passed me the ball so I can score... but he didn't want to, so that's just how it is!"

Referee Craig Pawson explained: “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.”

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Meanwhile, pundit Gary Neville shared his take on the decision and claimed that the goal should have stood. Speaking on commentary, he said: "You live to watch games like this. I am a fan of VAR but it has just killed the joy," Neville said. "The reason fans watch football matches is for entertainment and for moments like that."

Man City's dramatic victory over Liverpool reignites their push for the title.Pep Guardiola's side now sit six points behind Arsenal at the top of the table.

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