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Pep Guardiola in disbelief at VAR call, Eddie Howe also unhappy with controversial decision

Pep Guardiola was in disbelief at a VAR call, with Eddie Howe also unhappy at a controversial decision in Man City’s win against Newcastle.

The City boss produced quite the rant about VAR after his side had a goal controversially disallowed in their 2-0 victory over Newcastle.

Eddie Howe meanwhile was disappointed that City’s first goal was scored whilst Jacob Ramsey was being treated for a head injury, and added he’s not ‘bitter’ that Antoine Semenyo wasn’t cup tied for the match due to a rule change.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on Sky Sports: “Really good. We were there. First step to reach the final.”

On Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo playing better after the break: “They were not completely connected. They were not ready to get that ball. Second half they were ready.”

On Antoine Semenyo: “We know Bournemouth did an incredible job with him and every time the ball arrives to him he always is there.”

On Semenyo’s second goal being ruled out:

“Four officials and VAR were not able to take the decision, they had to go to the referee,” said Guardiola, who decided to bring up some previous VAR calls that went against his team last year.

“I don’t understand why in the Premier League game with [Fabian] Schar on Phil [Foden] why VAR didn’t say anything. Then the penalty with [Jeremy] Doku and Thiaw.

“Today, the line was perfect. Millimetres. I don’t understand but I’m pretty sure the official will call me tomorrow to explain why VAR didn’t intervene at 0-0 here [St James’ Park] in the Premier League.

“Look back at my press conference. I didn’t say anything after that game. But here, VAR intervenes but not for two unbelievable penalties.

“We know how it works and that will make us stronger. I’ve said it many times to the team, it is always about that. It’s in that situation how we react and how we compete.

“In the league game here, 60 minutes and 20 minutes, take a look. I said it today because we won. Tell me if I said anything after the game we lost. In 10 years here, I know what happens. The line was perfect today.

Regarding what he thinks is going on: “Ask them. Who is the boss of the referees? Ask him [Howard Webb]. It’s the semi-finals. We play for a lot to reach the finals. It will make us stronger.

“Did you review the FA Cup final last season? When [Dean] Henderson touched the ball outside the box. Did I say anything?

“The big clubs overcome these situations.

“It’s part of the game, we have to do it better. We know it is going to happen so we have to do it better.”

On if it could still have an impact: “That’s not the point.

“Newcastle could score goals too. It’s about VAR taking nine minutes [five minutes] to disallow a goal and why they didn’t even say anything about the two insane penalties at 0-0 in Newcastle.”

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe on Sky Sports: “It’s a body blow [conceding last minute] but not fatal at the moment. We’re still in there fighting. I think maybe a bit of naivety with a minute to go on the clock, that we’re still trying to chase a goal. In that moment, we needed to defend after we got our structure wrong from that position, and we got punished. I think the lads gave everything today under difficult circumstances after the extra time on Saturday, and there was a bit of fatigue in our performance, but I can’t fault the players.”

On Yoane Wissa missing a chance early on: “Looking back with hindsight, you’d say that’s potentially a big turning point. We wanted to get the crowd fully into the match. Manchester City want to do the opposite by retaining the ball and calm the crowd down, also it’s always that dynamic by the two teams. Yoane’s a top player. He’s still finding his very best level after a long time injured. Maybe in a couple more weeks that might’ve gone in.

“All I can look at is the effort levels of the players, and I think considering Saturday’s efforts that we gave against Bournemouth, that was a great effort from the guys against the worst side that could expose that fatigue.”

Howe, speaking on Sky Sports about Antoine Semenyo’s goal that was ruled out: “It’s not that I don’t care. I’m pleased that it’s ruled out. I’ve got no opinion because I haven’t seen it again.”

Howe said his side were down to 10 men when Semenyo scored after rules forced Jacob Ramsey to leave the field having received on-field treatment when he suffered a blow to the head: “I don’t think bitter is the right word, I think the rules are the rules,” Howe said when asked about Semenyo’s eligibility. “They’re there, I don’t think I can focus on that too much.

“I’d probably like to focus more on the fact we had 10 men when they scored their first goal because I just don’t get that rule. JJ’s gone down with a head injury after elbowed in the head and we get punished for that. I don’t see how that’s right.”

Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo on Sky Sports: “Tough game today but if we stuck in there we knew we would get chances. I was in the right area to tap it in and we were victorious so I am happy.

“The whole environment here is perfect. Everyone is confident and wanting achieve the best. I have come into that and they helped with my confidence and made me feel welcome. It’s been a lot but I have enjoyed it so far. I am picking things up very quickly and enjoying it.

“I am just taking the confidence I had from Bournemouth here and playing with a smile on my face. I am enjoying every moment.”

On what he said to the cameras at the end: “The second goal should have counted. The referee came and spoke to me and told me what was going on. It is what it is.”

Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, speaking to ITV Sport: “Happy but it is just one leg, we have the second at home. A very good result. It should have been 3-0 but we are quite used to this at the moment.”]

More on the VAR decision: “I don’t know what to say, I don’t want to say too much because we know how these things work. I saw it, it looked really close to me but it is what it is. It is so frustrating because the last time we came here we also had a lot of decisions go against us.

“Even though we won it was just frustrating to be honest.”

Here’s how fans reacted with Pep Guardiola left in disbelief at the VAR call, and Eddie Howe also unhappy with a controversial decision…

@Lea_EFC: Whichever club you support, this is the kind of VAR intervention that’s ruining our beautiful game. Any decision that needs to be forensically dissected should be eradicated.

@LewisDeighton17: That is one of the worst VAR checks I’ve ever seen in my life wow #NEWMCI

@GlassesCraig: The moment they have to start zooming in to try and work it out, it should be given. If it’s not a clear mistake then move on

@wwfcscott: VAR fucks off for a weekend of over 30 games played in the FA Cup – all is fine. It comes back for one game in the Carabao Cup this week and that is all that people are talking about. We’re in 2026 and people still think it can ‘come good’ or work..😂😂

@1MickyHazard: Well the game is dead, Var is killing it. The FA Cup at the weekend was brilliant, no interruptions for a nose hair. There’s more bad decisions go on today than before Var was introduced. And the breaking up of the tempo of the game well what can you say.

@WestHamPlace: Whoever you want to win, VAR should not be used for this. This ain’t football – absolutely ridiculous

@richjacques10: So much for @FA_PGMOL claiming that ‘Var will not re-referee the game’ 🤔 What a joke! 🤡

@mar_boro14: Goalkeepers momentum already taking him away from Haaland, so he can’t impede the keeper anyway. Haaland stood completely still with a defender between him and the keeper. Takes 5 minutes to come up with that shocker of a decision. Honestly sack VAR, it’s absolute rubbish

@SarcasticForest: They’ll be people that tell you that is correct by the letter of the law. But it’s just bollocks. Football is so much more enjoyable without VAR. #NEWMCI

@MRHPE95: That’s one of the worst VAR decisions I have ever seen. Footballs as boring as it’s probably ever been and now you’ve got officials actively trying to chalk off goals 😂😂😂 #mcfc #nufc

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