Reason why Erling Haaland’s purpose was dominated out as City star blasts ‘incorrect choice’

Fans were left baffled after Erling Haaland’s late goal was ruled out following a VAR check as the Premier League cited that no conclusive evidence was seen to overturn the goal

Fans were left baffled as Erling Haaland saw a second goal for Manchester City disallowed against Tottenham Hotspur.

City travelled to north London wounded again following their defeat against Liverpool at the Etihad on Sunday, but Pep Guardiola had a fit and seemingly hungry Haaland back from injury.

Haaland gave City the lead after just 12 minutes and thought he had doubled up in added time at the end of the second-half to secure the victory. But his finish was disallowed by referee Jarred Gillett.

The Norwegian powered his way through Archie Gray and Kevin Danso before slotting past Guglielmo Vicario. However, his celebrations were eventually cut short as Gillett ruled a foul in the build-up.

The decision went to VAR, with Haaland seemingly adjudged to have handled the ball in the build-up. But there was very little evidence to suggest that the ball had struck his arm from a ricochet as the ball pinged around all three players at chest height.

Following a VAR check, the referee’s on-field decision stood as City went on to see out the three points and climb back into the top four with a 1-0 victory.

The Premier League posted the explanation of the decision, but it didn’t really do much to clear up the confusion: “The referee’s call of no goal for a handball by Haaland was checked and confirmed by VAR – with no conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision.”

Fans on social media hit out at the decision, with one user venting: “’No conclusive evidence’?

“Yet you’ve shown a replay for a good 5 minutes of the ball coming off Gray’s arm whilst Haaland was sandwiched between the two defenders and then into Danso’s hand when he was leaning into Haaland.”

A second said: “VAR spent three minutes reviewing that Haaland goal and still ended up getting it wrong.” A third ranted: “VAR is f****** hopeless.” While another added: “Worst VAR decision of all time. They handballed it twice and it literally hasn’t hit Haaland’s hand?”

After the game, Haaland didn’t hold back when he was asked about his brace being chalked off, he said: “I think it’s the wrong decision clearly. It’s more of a penalty, but because he gave the decision on the pitch, I think that’s a bit why he stood with the decision…

“But I never think that should be disallowed.”

City’s win strengthens their pursuit of Champions League football, while Tottenham remain nine points behind the top half of the table.