Pep Guardiola has voiced his frustration with the Video Assistant Referees following another disallowed goal for offside in Manchester City’s 2-0 victory at Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
The Cityzens secured a two-goal advantage at St James’ Park in the first leg of the EFL Cup semifinal fixture, but the match was not without its own controversy.
Antoine Semenyo, who joined the club in a £65 million deal from Bournemouth this month opened scoring in the second half and thought he had a second soon after.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside against Erling Haaland, who was deemed to interfere in Malick Thiaw’s ability to make a clearance on the line.
After the match, an irate Guardiola was not pleased with the decision and also made references to previous calls that have gone against his side this season.
“Four officials and VAR were not able to take the decision, they had to go to the referee. I don’t understand why in the Premier League game with Schar on Phil [Foden] why VAR didn’t say anything. Then the penalty with Doku and Thiaw”, the Spaniard said.
“Today, the line was perfect. Millimetres. I don’t understand but I’m pretty sure the official will call me tomorrow to explain why VAR didn’t intervene at 0-0 here [St James’ Park] in the Premier League.
Look back at my press conference. I didn’t say anything after that game. But here, VAR intervenes but not for two unbelievable penalties”, Guardiola added.
Manchester City grabbed a 2–0 win to hold the advantage heading into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on the 4th of February.
Semenyo scored his second goal in two matches since his arrival at the club with the opener, before Rayan Cherki added a late second.
“We know how it works and that will make us stronger. I’ve said it many times to the team, it is always about that. It’s in that situation how we react and how we compete.
“It’s about VAR taking nine minutes to disallow a goal and why they didn’t even say anything about the two insane penalties at 0-0 in Newcastle”, he concluded.
Manchester City will now turn their attention to the Manchester derby at Old Trafford this weekend, hoping for a win to close the gap to Arsenal at the top of the league standings.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
