Manchester City continue to vent their frustrations after a video resurfaced of the former Premier League CEO highlighting his desire to see a different team win the title, saying he felt the referee’s decisions were wrong.
Manchester City become dissatisfied with several refereeing decisions, leading to violent riots
Footage has resurfaced of former Premier League CEO Richard Scudamore admitting the Premier League had a strategic plan to “give the trophy a new name every six years”.
This comes as Manchester City continue to bemoan their bad luck with referees and VAR, leading to intense abuse between the players and Josep Guardiola. The decision to give Tottenham the lead after they overcame a 2-0 deficit to draw on Sunday left them furious once again as they believed Dominic Solanke had set up Marc Gehi’s goal.
The result leaves the Gunners behind Arsenal and enjoys a six-point buffer over second-placed City. The North Londoners are aiming to win their first title since 2004.
Since the eight-season 2017/18 season, only two teams have won the Premier League: City and Liverpool. Coach Guardiola’s team boasted overwhelming strength, winning six times during this period. That would go against the “strategic plan” set out by Scudamore, but there is no indication that the league will stick to it under new leadership, nor is there any suggestion that it is creating an advantageous situation for Arsenal.
The former Premier League CEO said in 2016: “With no disrespect to any club, the Premier League has a strategic plan and that strategic plan is to give the trophy a new name every six years. That doesn’t mean we don’t want any team to win it, but rather there needs to be some rotation.”
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There were controversial VAR decisions against City in games against Newcastle, Manchester United and Wolves in January, but Rodri was furious that Solanke’s first goal was conceded on Sunday, suggesting people were tired of City winning and wanted a change.
“I know we won too much and I know people don’t want us to win, but referees have to be neutral and to be honest with me it’s unfair. It’s unfair because we’ve been working hard in these situations and now we have to move forward to make a decision like this,” he told Australian broadcaster Stan Sports.
Arsenal are six points clear at the top of the Premier League (Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
“It’s a clear foul and there’s a reason for VAR. Little things like this make a difference. We’re trying to do our best. This is the first goal they’ve scored and maybe if they don’t score we’ll win the game. It’s one game at a time, and it’s impossible. And to be honest, I never talk about the referees. I have a lot of respect for their work, but they have to pay attention to these things. It’s very obvious.
Guardiola was more cautious, but he has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with VAR and the officials, as he has said. “If it’s a central defender against a striker, it’s a penalty, right? You said the same thing, so you saw that.”
The Catalan added: “Well, it happened again. What should I say? Marc had the ball, he kicked it from behind and it was a goal. So what should I say? Nothing, another one.”
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