Pep Guardiola criticises VAR after controversial decision in Man City Cup win

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola voiced strong frustration with VAR after his side’s 2–0 victory over Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at St James’ Park.

City took a commanding advantage thanks to goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki, but the night was overshadowed by a contentious VAR decision that denied Semenyo a second goal.

Midway through the second half, Semenyo appeared to have doubled his tally when he finished from a corner, only for a lengthy VAR review to rule the goal out. Officials judged Erling Haaland to be offside and interfering with defender Malick Thiaw in the build-up.

The decision left Guardiola visibly agitated on the touchline and prompted a lengthy post-match critique of VAR’s consistency — particularly in relation to previous matches at the same stadium.

When asked if he had received an explanation, Guardiola responded pointedly.

“It’s a good question,” Guardiola said. “I’d like to know why VAR in the 60th minute of the Premier League game against Newcastle — that we lost 2–1 — it was 0–0 and it was a penalty for Fabian Schär on Phil Foden, not even considered.”

Guardiola also highlighted another incident from that November league defeat, involving Jeremy Doku.

“In the 20th minute there is an unbelievable penalty for the shot for Jeremy Doku off the hand, and not even VAR,” he added.

The City boss contrasted those moments with the scrutiny applied during Wednesday’s semi-final.

“Today, four people were not able to decide because the line was — I don’t know. But the second goal Newcastle scored, the line was perfect.”

Despite his anger, Guardiola was careful to stress he was not accusing officials of bias.

“I’m zero suspicious. In 10 years, when we lost semi-finals or finals, I didn’t say anything,” he said.
“But come on — in the same stadium, what happened?”

Guardiola also referenced the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, suggesting a red card should have been shown to Dean Henderson early in that match.

He indicated that Howard Webb, the technical director of the Professional Game Match Officials, was expected to contact him to explain the decisions.

Guardiola emphasised that fine margins are magnified in knockout football.

“When you play semi-finals or finals and win 0–1, 0–2, it’s a big difference,” he said. “After 0–1 with five minutes left they can equalise and then it’s more difficult.”

City’s two-goal cushion gives them control heading into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium next month, but Guardiola made clear that clarity and consistency from VAR remain crucial at this stage of the competition.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe acknowledged the task facing his side in the return leg, admitting the trip to Manchester would test his squad on multiple fronts.

“It is probably our biggest challenge, our biggest test of everything really,” Howe said. “Our belief levels, our ability, our ability to score goals and defend.”

With five matches to navigate before the second leg in February, Howe suggested Newcastle would temporarily park thoughts of the semi-final.

Manchester City will turn their focus back to domestic league action before welcoming Newcastle to the Etihad in February for the second leg. With a two-goal advantage secured, Guardiola’s side are firmly in control — but the VAR debate is unlikely to fade quietly.

Was Pep Guardiola right to question VAR consistency — or did officials get the key decisions correct at St James’ Park?