Guardiola questions VAR consistency after City’s semi-final win
Pep Guardiola ensured Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final win at Newcastle did not pass without controversy, using the occasion to once again question how VAR decisions are being applied in decisive matches.
City’s 2-0 victory in the first leg at St James’ Park puts them firmly in control of the tie, yet Guardiola made clear afterwards that the performance and the result were overshadowed by frustration with officiating.
City do the damage early
Goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki handed City a commanding advantage, with Cherki’s late strike providing breathing space ahead of the return leg. Semenyo, signed earlier this season, opened the scoring as City coped with the absence of several senior defenders.
The win also served as a response to City’s league defeat on Tyneside earlier in the campaign and leaves them well placed to reach the final on March 22.
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Newcastle, meanwhile, struggled to generate sustained pressure and now face a difficult task in the second leg.
A decision that changed the mood
The turning point for Guardiola came when Semenyo appeared to score his second goal, redirecting a Tijjani Reijnders corner into the net.
Play was halted for more than five minutes as VAR reviewed the incident before referee Chris Kavanagh was called to the pitchside monitor. The goal was ruled out after Erling Haaland was judged to be marginally offside and interfering with play, a call made without the use of semi-automated technology, according to Sky Sports.
By then, patience inside the stadium and on the City bench had worn thin.
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“I said it today because we won”
Guardiola did not hide his irritation when speaking to Sky Sports after the match, questioning why VAR intervention appeared inconsistent when compared with previous decisions involving his side.
“Four officials and VAR were not able to take the decision, they had to go to the referee,” he said.
He contrasted the ruling with incidents from City’s Premier League defeat at Newcastle in November, pointing to challenges involving Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku that did not prompt similar intervention.
“I said it today because we won,” Guardiola added, stressing that his comments were not influenced by the result.
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Old wounds reopened
Guardiola also revisited City’s FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace last season, when goalkeeper Dean Henderson avoided a red card for handling the ball outside his penalty area.
When asked who should address such issues, Guardiola directed attention toward PGMOL chief Howard Webb, underlining the importance of clarity at the latter stages of major competitions.
“It’s the semi-finals. We play for a lot to reach the finals,” he said. “It will make us stronger.”
Derby next, debate continues
City now return to Premier League action for the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, a fixture that will mark the start of Michael Carrick’s caretaker spell following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.
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While City’s path to the final looks increasingly clear, Guardiola’s remarks ensured that discussion of VAR rather than the scoreline dominated the aftermath.
Sources: Sky Sports, CBS Sports
