Guardiola lashes out at VAR after contentious Semenyo decision

Pep Guardiola questioned the application of the rules by the VAR and on-field official after Manchester City were denied a goal against Newcastle United.

Antoine Semenyo, who had opened the scoring for City early in the second half, thought he had doubled his tally when he flicked home from an inswinging corner.

Yet after a lengthy VAR review, on-field referee Chris Kavanagh went to the pitchside monitor to make a call on a “subjective offside” decision.

It was eventually deemed that Erling Haaland was interfering with play, by blocking Malick Thiaw, while in an offside position.

The decision sparked plenty of debate, and Guardiola pointed to two decisions that went against City in November’s league defeat to Newcastle as he lashed out at the use of the technology.

“Four officials and VAR were not able to take the decision, they had to go to the referee,” Guardiola said, as quoted by Sky Sports.

“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.

74 – Excluding penalties, Rayan Cherki has the best minutes per goal/assist ratio of any player in Europe’s big five leagues (all competitions) this season (900+ mins played).

1,332 minutes played
18 goal involvement (7 goals, 11 assists)
74 mins per goal/assist

Special. pic.twitter.com/aSNopPOspH

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 14, 2026

“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.

“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.”

Rayan Cherki went on to score late on as City claimed a 2-0 win, putting them in pole position to reach the final when they play the second leg in early February.