VAR Controversy as Man City Score Contentious Second Goal vs Fulham Despite ‘clear Offside’

• Fans engaged in a fierce debate on social media on whether Manchester City’s second goal against Fulham should have stood
• Nathan Ake headed in from a corner at the stroke of half time
• However, Fulham players were adamant City defender Manuel Akanji was interfering with play and the goal should not have stood

The Manchester City vs Fulham game on Saturday, September 2 was subject to controversy over the manner in which the home side scored their second goal.

Fulham fans decried “corruption” in the league as Manchester as referee Michael Oliver allowed the goal to stand, despite a Manchester City player appearing to be offside.

The Citizens had initially taken the lead through Julian Alvarez in the 31st minute, but Fulham found an equalizer two minutes later courtesy of Tim Ream’s effort from close range.

Towards the end of the first half, Ake saw his header bounce beyond Bernd Leno into the Fulham goal, and the visiting players immediately went to issue a complaint to the referee.

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Their argument was that Akanji was interfering with play as he was in an offside position at the time Ake was heading the ball, as cited on The Sun.

However, after review from the Video Assisted Referee, the goal was allowed to stand, to the discontent of fans on social media.

In the wake of the incident, Fulham players were reluctant to restart play from the centre of the pitch as they remained adamant the goal should have been chopped off.

Here are some reactions from fans after the incident:

@Tgarratt10 said:

"Fulham robbed. Last thing you need away at the champions is it really. Referring decisions yet again stinking the gaff up ,"

@EduardoHagn added:

"I’d leave the pitch if I was a Fulham player. That’s a disgrace. Clear offside. What in the world."

@Ruari21 said:

"So a red card not given to #ManCity and an offside goal that was allowed to stand for them. How obviously do you want to rig all the #Fulham."

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@FulhamTransfer commented:

"Leno clearly anticipating a touch here! Beggars belief it really does! He saves it if Akanji isn't there!"

Man City blow away Fulham

Manchester City ultimately proved to be too strong for the Cottages as Erling Haaland added bagged a hat trick, including one goal from the penalty spot, to ensure a 5-1 victory in the absence of Pep Guardiola.

City remains the only team with a 100% record in the league after four wins from four games going into the international break.