Pep Guardiola questioned the applying of the principles by the VAR and on-field official after Manchester Metropolis have been denied a aim in opposition to Newcastle United.
Antoine Semenyo, who had opened the scoring for Metropolis early within the second half, thought he had doubled his tally when he flicked residence from an inswinging nook.
But after a prolonged VAR evaluation, on-field referee Chris Kavanagh went to the pitchside monitor to make a name on a “subjective offside” choice.
It was finally deemed that Erling Haaland was interfering with play, by blocking Malick Thiaw, whereas in an offside place.
The choice sparked loads of debate, and Guardiola pointed to 2 selections that went in opposition to Metropolis in November’s league defeat to Newcastle as he lashed out at using the expertise.
“4 officers and VAR weren’t in a position to take the choice, they needed to go to the referee,” Guardiola stated, as quoted by Sky Sports activities.
“I don’t perceive why within the Premier League sport with [Fabian] Schar on Phil [Foden] why VAR didn’t say something. Then the penalty with [Jeremy] Doku and Thiaw.
74 – Excluding penalties, Rayan Cherki has the perfect minutes per aim/help ratio of any participant in Europe’s large 5 leagues (all competitions) this season (900+ minutes performed).
1,332 minutes performed
18 aim involvement (7 objectives, 11 assists)
74 minutes per aim/help
Particular. pic.twitter.com/aSNopPOspH
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 14, 2026
“Right now, the road was good. Millimetres. I don’t perceive however I’m fairly certain the official will name me tomorrow to elucidate why VAR didn’t intervene at 0-0 right here [St James’ Park] within the Premier League.
“Look again at my press convention. I didn’t say something after that sport. However right here, VAR intervenes however not for 2 unbelievable penalties.
“We all know the way it works and that can make us stronger. I’ve stated it many instances to the crew, it’s at all times about that. It’s in that state of affairs how we react and the way we compete.
“Within the league sport right here, 60 minutes and 20 minutes, have a look. I stated it at the moment as a result of we gained. Inform me if I stated something after the sport we misplaced. In 10 years right here, I do know what occurs. The road was good at the moment.
“Ask them. Who’s the boss of the referees? Ask him [Howard Webb]. It’s the semi-finals. We play for lots to achieve the finals. It’ll make us stronger.
“Did you evaluation the FA Cup remaining final season? When [Dean] Henderson touched the ball exterior the field. Did I say something?
“The massive golf equipment overcome these conditions.
“It’s a part of the sport, we’ve got to do it higher. We all know it will occur so we’ve got to do it higher.”
Rayan Cherki went on to attain late on as Metropolis claimed a 2-0 win, placing them in pole place to achieve the ultimate once they play the second leg in early February.
