Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola voiced his frustration following his team’s recent Premier League match against Newcastle United, centering his criticism on a key VAR decision that saw a goal by Antoine Semenyo disallowed. The incident occurred during City’s victory on Tuesday, and Guardiola made it clear afterward that he expects an explanation from Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb regarding the decision.
The disallowed goal took place during a tightly contested match that Manchester City ultimately won. Semenyo appeared to have scored midway through the first half, but the goal was overturned after a VAR review. The review determined that there was an offside in the buildup to the goal, leading to the decision to disallow it. Guardiola, speaking in his post-match remarks, questioned the consistency and transparency of such calls and reiterated his desire for clearer communication from officiating authorities.
“I’m waiting for an explanation,” Guardiola said. While he did not directly criticize the referees on the field, his comments reflected growing frustrations shared by many managers over recent months, as high-profile VAR decisions continue to draw scrutiny across the Premier League.
The Spanish manager has often advocated for improvements in video refereeing procedures, emphasizing the importance of consistency and quick resolutions in order to maintain the integrity and pace of the game. The disallowed goal could have shifted the momentum of the match, though City’s control ultimately ensured they left St. James’ Park with the three points.
Manchester City continues to challenge near the top of the table as the season progresses. Newcastle, meanwhile, is navigating a demanding fixture schedule with mounting injuries. As conversations around VAR persist among teams and fans alike, Guardiola’s call for an explanation adds to ongoing calls across football for greater accountability and improvements in officiating technology.
