Guardiola Slams VAR After Controversial Disallowed Goal in City Win
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has launched a blistering criticism of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) procedures after a highly contentious decision in his team’s 2–0 Carabao Cup semi‑final first‑leg victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
City took a firm step toward the final with goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki, but the result was overshadowed by a lengthy VAR review that ultimately ruled out what would have been Semenyo’s second goal of the night.
Guardiola was visibly frustrated when discussing the decision, which involved a marginal offside and alleged interference in the build‑up. He questioned why four match officials and VAR failed to reach a prompt conclusion, contrasting the scrutiny given to City’s goals with what he perceives as leniency in decisions involving their opponents.
“Four officials and VAR were not able to decide,” Guardiola said, expressing disbelief at the prolonged process and inconsistency. He also referenced several past matches — including a Premier League defeat at Newcastle and the 2025 FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace — where he felt key VAR decisions either were not made or worked against his team, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in officiating.
The City boss even predicted a conversation with refereeing chief Howard Webb to clarify the reasoning behind the contentious calls.
Despite Guardiola’s ire, City remain in control of the tie ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on February 4, where they can secure their place in the final.
Semenyo, who opened the scoring and saw his second effort disallowed after nearly six minutes of VAR scrutiny, later summed up his feelings humorously in a message to the camera, insisting that “the second goal should have counted, by the way.”
The controversy has sparked fresh debate about the role, speed, and consistency of VAR in English football, particularly in high‑stakes knockout fixtures, as clubs and managers continue to react to pivotal decisions.