The Manchester City coach brought up past decisions after the VAR flashpoint in the Carabao Cup semi-final
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has launched a scathing critique of VAR after a controversial decision overshadowed his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win at Newcastle.
With City holding a slender 1-0 lead, new signing Antoine Semenyo thought he had netted his second of the game and provided breathing space by converting from a corner.
Celebrations were quickly tempered, however, as the goal was subjected to an extended VAR review that lasted several minutes. Officials eventually ruled it out, judging that Erling Haaland was in an offside position and interfering with Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.
The decision visibly infuriated Guardiola, whose frustration was evident on the touchline and carried through to his post-match media duties. Although City went on to secure a 2-0 victory thanks to a late strike from Rayan Cherki late in stoppage time, the final result did little to dilute the manager’s anger over the officiating.
Rather than treating the incident in isolation, Guardiola framed it as part of a wider pattern. The City boss used the moment to recall earlier matches at the same ground, arguing that crucial calls have repeatedly gone against his side at Newcastle.
Guardiola revisits past decisions after VAR flashpoint
Speaking after the match, Guardiola drew particular attention to a league fixture earlier in the season, when City were beaten 2-1 at St James’ Park, and questioned why certain incidents were not reviewed with the same scrutiny shown on Tuesday night.
“I will say it now,” Guardiola began. “I would like to know why VAR, at 60 minutes in the Premier League game at Newcastle, when we lost 2-1, it was 0-0, and it was an insane penalty on [Fabian] Schär for Phil Foden and not even a consideration.
“And at 20 minutes, there is an unbelievable penalty from a shot from Jeremy Doku that hit [Malick] Thiaw’s hand, and not even VAR. Today, four people were not able to decide because the line was I don’t know, but the second goal that Newcastle scored, the line was perfect.”
The City manager also referenced other high-profile occasions where he chose not to speak out, despite feeling aggrieved by decisions that went against his team.
“I’m not suspicious of that in 10 years,” he added.
“I didn’t say anything when we lost 2-1 here. I didn’t say anything in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace when it was a red card after 30 minutes for Dean Henderson.
“Did I say anything? No. It’s ok. It’s fine. I’m pretty sure Howard Webb is going to come in tomorrow to give an explanation of that.”