Old Trafford erupted in controversy during Sunday's explosive Premier League clash as Liverpool's second-half equaliser against Manchester United stood despite clear appeals for a foul in the buildup.
VAR Drama Rocks Theatre of Dreams
The pivotal moment arrived in the second half when Liverpool found the back of the net to level the score, but Manchester United players immediately surrounded referee Anthony Taylor, protesting vehemently that a clear foul had been committed moments before the goal.
Replays showed United defender Harry Maguire appearing to be fouled by Liverpool's Darwin Nunez in the penalty area just before the visitors launched the attack that led to their crucial goal.
United Outrage Grows as Goal Stands
Despite the obvious protests from United players and the roaring disapproval from the home crowd, VAR official John Brooks reviewed the incident and determined there was no clear and obvious error, allowing the goal to stand.
The decision left United manager Erik ten Hag visibly furious on the touchline, with coaching staff and substitutes alike expressing their disbelief at the outcome of the review.
Fan Reaction and Pundit Analysis
Social media immediately exploded with reaction from both sets of supporters, while television pundits analysing the game were divided on whether the correct decision had been made.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean, providing analysis for Sky Sports, suggested that "while it was certainly a foul, the VAR protocol requires clear and obvious errors to intervene", explaining why the goal might have been allowed to stand despite the contentious nature of the buildup.
This latest VAR controversy adds to growing concerns about consistency in decision-making across Premier League matches, with managers and fans alike calling for greater transparency in the review process.
