In the first leg of the League Cup semi-final, Manchester City defeated Newcastle United 2-0 away from home to take the initiative. In the second half, Brennan Semenyo had a goal ruled out, missing out on a brace. After the match, City manager Pep Guardiola slammed the decision and revisited the controversial calls from the team’s earlier away league fixture against Newcastle this season.
In the 63rd minute of the game, Semenyo scored with a heel flick from a corner, but VAR reviewed the play for an extended period without issuing a decision. The referee then went to the sideline to check the footage and ultimately ruled that Erling Haaland had participated in the attack from an offside position, disallowing the goal.
On this, Guardiola said, “Four match officials and VAR couldn’t make a decision; they had to turn to the referee. I don’t understand why it doesn’t work like this in the Premier League. For Fabian Schär’s foul on Phil Foden, VAR said nothing, and neither did they for the penalties involving Jeremy Doku and Javi.” (referring to the league game in November, where Manchester City lost 1-2 away to Newcastle)
“Today, that (offside) line was perfectly tight—just a few millimeters. I don’t get it, but I’m sure the refereeing officials will call me tomorrow to explain why they didn’t intervene when it was 0-0 away at Newcastle in the Premier League.”
“I said nothing in the post-match press conference after that game, but here today, VAR stepped in—not for those two incredible penalty claims (that were missed). We know how this works, and it will only make us stronger. I’ve told the team many times that the key is how we respond and compete in such situations; that’s what matters most.”
“In that league game, look at the 60th and 20th minutes. I’m saying this today because we won—what would I have said if we’d lost? You tell me. I’ve been coaching here for 10 years; I know what happens.”
Asked about his views on the current situation,
Guardiola replied, “Ask them—who’s the boss of the refereeing company? (Howard Webb) Go ask him. This is a semi-final; we’re giving our all to reach the final, and this kind of thing will only make us stronger.”
“Do you remember last season’s FA Cup final? When Dean Henderson handled the ball outside the penalty area—what did I say then? Big clubs have to overcome these difficulties. We know these things happen, so we have to do better.”
Asked about the potential subsequent impact
Guardiola stated, “That’s not the point. The point is that VAR took 9 minutes to disallow a goal, but they had nothing to say about those two ridiculous penalty claims (that were overlooked) when it was 0-0 at Newcastle (in the league).”
