Guardiola mocks how VAR works
Man City coach believes slow-motion video technology intervenes unfairly in situations in England.
|
Man City under coach Pep Guardiola had two last-minute goals denied by VAR in matches against Tottenham at the Etihad.Photo: Reuters. |
"The organizers should review how VAR works," Pep Guardiola said later.Tottenham draw 2-2in round 2 of the Premier League yesterday, August 17.
Round 2 |
Saturday, August 17 Sunday, August 18 |
"Chelsea's Christensen handled the ball against Liverpool in midweek and was not penalised, but we were unfairly denied a goal because it was unclear whether the ball touched Laporte's hand or not. Wolves also had a goal disallowed last week because of a handball, and Tottenham's Fernando Llorente eliminated us in the Champions League last season from a handball. Why is there such inconsistency? The moves are similar but each time they make different decisions," the Man City coach continued.
Gabriel Jesus fired past Hugo Lloris in the second minute of stoppage time. But the goal was disallowed after the referee consulted VAR and determined that the ball had touched Aymeric Laporte's hand before reaching the Man City striker. In response to this situation, Guardiola also accused VAR of forgetting the situation where Erik Lamela fouled Man City's new signing Rodri at the end of the first half.
"It was clearly a penalty," the Man City manager commented. "Rodri went down, but VAR seemed to be having a coffee at the time. Everyone saw it was a penalty. The big bosses of the league are from London, you ask them. It's difficult to accept the draw because we played well and should have scored a good goal at the end."
|
VAR denied Jesus' goal in the second minute of injury time.Photo: Reuters. |
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris also sympathized with Guardiola about Man City's late goal being ruled out. "To be honest, I thought it was a goal. The referee was so sure of his decision at first, then VAR disallowed it. Man City were so unlucky," he said.
His coach, Mauricio Pochettino, said: "We accept the rules of the game, because Tottenham will also have to receive unfavorable decisions in the future. VAR decided it was a handball situation and we need to respect that. The emotions at Etihad this match were as exciting as in the Champions League last season, we thought we had no chance, but in the end we benefited from VAR."
