Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has launched a passionate plea for rule clarity from the PGMOL after a controversial VAR decision contributed to his side's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Newcastle United.
The Controversial Clash at St James' Park
The match, played on Saturday night, turned on a contentious second goal for Newcastle's Harvey Barnes. After Ruben Dias had cancelled out Barnes' opener, the Magpies' winger scored a close-range winner after Bruno Guimaraes struck the crossbar.
The goal was initially given on the pitch, but underwent a lengthy VAR check for potential infringements. While Guimaraes was adjudged to have been onside, Manchester City were left fuming about an incident in the build-up that was overlooked.
City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was visibly pushed by a Newcastle player, an action that Pep Guardiola's side felt should have ruled out the goal. The Video Assistant Referee did not intervene, leaving the City camp incensed.
Dias's Impassioned Post-Match Reaction
An animated Ruben Dias did not hold back in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, demanding clarity on the rules surrounding such incidents.
"I feel like out of all the decisions, the second goal I feel we need to make it make sense," Dias stated. "What is the sense in their player pushing our keeper outside the goal? What are we allowing, and for how long?"
The Portuguese centre-back highlighted the perceived inconsistency in decision-making, adding: "It's more like sometimes you allow it, sometimes you don't, so where's the rule, what can you actually do?"
Dias confirmed he had seen a replay of the incident and identified the push on Donnarumma. "We immediately felt something was wrong," he said. "He's pushing him away from the goal. We're so picky with certain contacts but one like this with the keeper, you allow it."
Guardiola's Fury and the Fallout
The frustration was palpable at full-time, with manager Pep Guardiola confronting both Bruno Guimaraes and referee Sam Barrott on the pitch. While Guardiola remained tight-lipped about the specifics of his complaints, Dias provided the detailed explanation for City's grievances.
Despite his anger at the decision, Dias was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Newcastle's superior performance. "Today Newcastle were better and they deserved the win because of that," he admitted. "They were able to finish more chances than us. So in the end, all I'm saying is there needs to be a rule."
The defender concluded by challenging the authorities to provide definitive guidance, suggesting that if such pushes are permitted, City should be able to employ the same tactics. The incident is sure to reignite the ongoing debate about VAR consistency and the protection afforded to goalkeepers in the Premier League.
