FANS have been left shocked that Jordan Pickford avoided punishment after “punching” Erling Haaland.
Manchester City were threatening to extend their 3-0 lead as they broke away on the counter-attack against Everton.
Riyad Mahrez’s cross into box was looped up into the air by Toffees defender Nathan Patterson.
And as the ball dropped back to earth, Pickford caught Haaland on the back of the head with a clumsy effort to knock the ball away.
But the goalkeeper managed to avoid getting booked or conceding a penalty, despite clattering into the Norwegian striker.
Fans were quick to have their say on the incident and their reactions varied between shock at Anthony Taylor’s decision-making and confusion at Pickford’s goalkeeping.
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One said: “Pickford definitely learned that from KSI last night.”
Another said: “Pickford hits Haaland in the face it’s not given as a penalty. Ok.”
While another astonished fan added: “No penalty, somehow, despite Pickford punching Haaland in his head.”
And one tweeter added: “Amazing what goalkeepers can get away with. Stonewall penalty. Barely even a couple of seconds before VAR check complete.”
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The controversy would ultimately have no affect on the result with City having done their job before Pickford poleaxed their star man.
Ilkay Gundogan scored a goal of the season contender as he flicked home the opener in the first-half.
Haaland would head home another goal two minutes later before Gundogan scored from a free-kick to make it four goals in the last eight days for the German.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
