“It was almost absurd how he wasn’t given that. Salah was ready to finish them off and they had to resort to a ‘panic’ foul to stop him!” — Pundits are fuming after Mohamed Salah was handed a “shock” verdict on a first-half penalty shout against Manchester City. While the officials waved it away, fans are calling the decision “unacceptable” and claiming City’s defense was “completely rattled” by the Egyptian King’s pace!

VAR FIRESTORM ERUPTS AFTER SALAH INCIDENT — “A BLATANT ROBBERY!” 

The Premier League has once again been plunged into chaos, controversy, and outright fury after a hugely contentious refereeing decision involving Mohamed Salah left pundits, fans, and former players in absolute meltdown.

What was supposed to be another high-stakes clash at the top end of the table has instead turned into a full-blown VAR scandal, with many now questioning the integrity, consistency, and credibility of officiating in English football.

THE INCIDENT THAT LIT THE FUSE

Midway through the match, Liverpool’s talisman Mohamed Salah burst through the defensive line, cleanly beating his marker and surging toward goal. With the Egyptian clearly through and bearing down on the goalkeeper, Marc Guehi panicked — grabbing Salah and pulling him back from behind.

Salah went to ground. The stadium held its breath.

To many watching, it looked textbook:

Last defender

Clear path to goal

No genuine attempt to play the ball

Red card. End of debate.

Or so everyone thought.

Instead, after a VAR check that felt endless, the referee reached for… a yellow card.

And that’s when all hell broke loose.

PUNDITS IN TOTAL MELTDOWN

The reaction was instant and explosive.

One furious pundit didn’t hold back, blasting the decision live on air:

“It’s a blatant robbery! He was the last man, he pulled Salah back, and somehow he’s still on the pitch? The corruption level is officially off the charts!”

The words sent shockwaves across social media, where clips of the incident began circulating within seconds, replayed from every possible angle.

Gary Neville attempted to calm the storm, suggesting the referee may not have deemed it a “clear denial of a goal-scoring opportunity” — but that explanation only poured petrol on the fire.

LIVERPOOL FANS: “A SHAMEFUL DISGRACE”

Liverpool supporters were incandescent.

Across X, Instagram, and fan forums, the verdict was savage:

“That decision saved City from disaster.”

“If that’s not a red card, then what is?”

“VAR is officially broken.”

Hashtags accusing the league of favoritism began trending, with fans pointing to what they believe is a growing pattern of controversial calls going Manchester City’s way in decisive moments.

📊 FANS DON’T BELIEVE THIS WAS A MISTAKE

Perhaps most damning of all is the public perception.

According to fan polls circulating online:

95% of fans believe the Premier League is actively protecting City’s title charge

Whether that belief is fair or not, the damage to trust is undeniable. Supporters are no longer just angry — they’re cynical.

One viral post summed it up perfectly:

“How can VAR look at that and say it’s just a yellow? What are we even watching anymore?”

THE BIGGER PROBLEM: CONSISTENCY

This isn’t just about one foul.

Fans are asking uncomfortable questions:

Why have similar incidents resulted in reds this season?

Why does interpretation seem to change week by week?

And why does VAR so often appear decisive in some matches… and powerless in others?

The phrase “clever cheating” has begun circulating — not necessarily accusing players, but pointing fingers at a system that many believe allows certain teams to benefit from “grey areas” while others are punished harshly.

A DECISION THAT COULD SHAPE THE TITLE RACE

Whether intentional or not, the consequences are massive.

A red card would have completely changed the game’s balance. Instead, City survived, stayed in control, and marched on — while Liverpool were left feeling robbed of a moment that could define their season.

And that’s why this decision hurts so deeply.

FINAL WORD

This wasn’t just a yellow card.

It was a moment that reignited every fear fans have about VAR, transparency, and fairness in the Premier League.

Until refereeing becomes clearer, more consistent, and fully accountable, incidents like this will continue to overshadow the football itself — and that’s the real tragedy.