Football fans have unleashed a torrent of criticism towards VAR and the officiating team following Manchester City's wild 5-3 triumph over Sunderland at Etihad Stadium.
The controversy erupted with City leading 3-2 after a dramatic incident in the box. Elliot Anderson, the home side's midfielder, appeared to handle the ball while tussling with Enzo Le Fee, but referee Robert Jones appeared to ignore the incident, opting not to award a penalty. What’s more baffling, VAR chose not to intervene or call the referee over to the monitor.
This decision sparked outrage on social media:
@Rory_Talks_Ball: "He literally swatted the ball away with his hand!"
@AFCAMDEN: "How could VAR miss that handball from Anderson?"
@sid_yanited: "Anderson was practically playing basketball in his own box, and VAR didn't give a penalty. We're witnessing the highest level of corruption in football history. This is absurd!"
@MarakimTheGreat: "In every game, at least a couple of controversial VAR decisions go in their favour. I'm at my wits' end. PGMOL, or whatever they call themselves now, is deeply in City's pocket, just like the rest of Britain. The owner of that club is in the UAE government. Good luck to anyone hoping there isn't a problem here!"
The contentious moment occurred during an incredibly dramatic encounter where Sunderland refused to go quietly.
Manchester City kicked off the scoring in the 11th minute with a free-kick from Enzo Fernandez, but Brian Brobbey quickly levelled things up. Ryan Cherki put the hosts back ahead, only for Brobbey to complete his brace and equalise again at 2-2.
Just before half-time, Antoine Semenyo netted the third for City, and he soon added another, making it 4-2. Only two minutes later, Brobbey struck again for his hat-trick, pulling one back to 4-3.
With a chance for a sensational equaliser looming, Gianluigi Donnarumma made a glaring mistake that put City’s goal at risk. However, Ruben Dias cleared the ball off the line, while Marc Guehi thwarted the follow-up.
Erling Haaland sealed the thrilling victory in the 83rd minute, tapping in from a Josko Gvardiol cross.
This hard-fought win saw Manchester City move to the top of the Premier League table, three points clear of Arsenal, but the controversial handball by Anderson is bound to spark debates long after this mad Manchester match.
