Controversy erupts as Jordan Pickford appears to 'punch' Erling Haaland in the head, but referee ignores

Manchester City fans were outraged after no penalty was given for Jordan Pickford bundling into Erling Haaland.

They felt they should have had the opportunity from 12 yards to extend their three-goal advantage away at Everton when Pickford's hand connected with Haaland's face. England's No.1 left City's goal machine on the floor after completely misjudging a looping ball.

How is this not a pen? pic.twitter.com/d33TL2PcHv

— BlueCityBrain (@BlueCityBrain) May 14, 2023

But referee Anthony Taylor saw nothing wrong. And a quick VAR check agreed with the on-field decision, with fans taking to social media to express their frustration. One questioned: "Pickford punches him, how isn't that a pen?"

A second echoed: "How’s VAR not gotten that???? Pickford punches Haaland and nothing called?" A third argued: "That's the most blatant penalty in the history of the sport."

"Haaland clearly punched in the face and they’ve said no pen wtf," fumed a fourth, while a fifth commented: "Pickford just punched Haaland in the head and VAR aren’t even bothering. It’s dreadful."

Fortunately for Pep Guardiola's side, the decision, or lack thereof, didn't impact the result which saw them move within two victories of the Premier League title.

Ilkay Gundogan's sublime effort, which saw him control the ball with his thigh before flicking it over his shoulder and past Pickford, set them on their way after a frustrating opening half hour.

Everton had defended resolutely but quickly found themselves two behind, with Haaland heading home a pinpoint Gundogan cross just two minutes later.

The latter then scored his second of the game, arrowing a free-kick into the top corner six minutes after the restart, which proved to be the final goal of an ultimately comfortably game for the league leaders.