Manager Josep Guardiola took the opportunity to rant about Manchester City’s controversial decision to lose 2-1 to Newcastle United in the Premier League at St James’s Park last November, but only after City returned to the same stadium to beat the Magpies in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
When asked about Antoine Semenyo’s goal being ruled out for Erling Haaland’s offside on Tuesday night and the lengthy decision-making process, a bewildered Guardiola referred to the incident between Fabian Schaal and Phil Foden in the previous game. Guardiola also touched on the controversial red card decision in the FA Cup final at Wembley, saying: “That’s a good question. I’ll say it now. I want to know why VAR was called in the 60th minute of the Premier League game against Newcastle when we lost 2-1. It was an insane penalty for Phil Foden at 0-0 and it shouldn’t even have been taken into consideration.”
“Then there was an unbelievable penalty in the 20th minute when Jeremy Doku’s shot hit Thiau’s hand, and even VAR didn’t measure up. Today we couldn’t see the line so we couldn’t decide on four players, but the second goal Newcastle scored, the line was perfect.
“For the last 10 years, I’ve never questioned that. I didn’t say anything when we lost 2-1 here. I didn’t say anything when Dean Henderson got a red card in the 30th minute against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final. Did I say anything? No, I’m fine. I’m fine.”
“I’m sure Mr. Howard Webb will come tomorrow and explain it to you.”
Despite holding a commanding advantage, Guardiola gave no indication that a draw had been decided. He commented: “I’m happy, but it’s only one leg and I’ve got my second one at home. It’s been a very good result.”
“It was supposed to be 3-0, but we’re pretty used to this at the moment.”
