Guardiola's Sarcastic VAR Comments Could Bring FA Sanction After Tottenham Clash
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola finds himself potentially facing Football Association punishment following his sarcastic remarks about VAR after Sunday's dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. The Catalan coach was visibly furious after Dominic Solanke's contentious first goal was allowed to stand, denting City's Premier League title aspirations.
Controversial Goal Sparks Guardiola's Fury
The flashpoint occurred during Tottenham's remarkable second-half comeback, with Solanke appearing to kick through defender Marc Guehi before scoring past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Despite Manchester City's vehement protests, referee Robert Jones awarded the goal on-field, and VAR official Jarred Gillett saw no clear reason to overturn the decision.
This controversial moment proved pivotal in the match, with City having established what seemed like a commanding position through first-half goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo. Tottenham had been booed off by their own supporters at halftime, but emerged transformed after the interval, with Solanke completing his brace with a spectacular scorpion kick to secure a valuable point.
Guardiola's Carefully Worded Criticism
When questioned by BBC Radio 5 Live about the contentious opening Tottenham goal, Guardiola delivered his now-infamous sarcastic response: "Well, if you do it to a striker it would be a penalty. I'm not a referee. Fascinating in the Premier League."
The Manchester City boss became increasingly evasive during subsequent interviews, telling Sky Sports reporter Patrick Davison: "Once again," before asking whether the journalist had seen the incident himself. When informed that his opinion didn't matter, Guardiola shrugged, said "OK, I understand," and attempted to walk away from the interview.
Pressed for a third opinion, Guardiola added: "No, nothing. Nothing, that's all." When asked if he was avoiding being drawn into controversy, he responded: "Of course not! Come on. It happened once again. What can I say? Marc has the ball and he's been kicked from behind and it's a goal, so what can I say? Nothing, one more."
Divided Opinions on Controversial Decision
The decision sparked considerable debate among pundits and former professionals. Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville supported the officials' decision to allow the goal, while former striker Clinton Morrison offered a contrasting view on BBC Radio 5 Live, stating: "He kicks through Guehi. That should be a foul. I don't know what VAR are doing. VAR should have got involved."
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank acknowledged the borderline nature of the incident, telling reporters: "I think Dom [Solanke] got a clear touch on it, but I can see it is a 50-50 situation. I think it is one of those which is borderline, but I think it can be a goal."
Solanke himself addressed the controversy with a smile, explaining: "We know they have a high line and we wanted to exploit that at times, so I played on the last defender. It was a lovely ball from Xavi [Simons] and I took a touch inside and it's definitely my goal, I don't know why they're saying that (it was a Guehi own goal). Obviously, I think Marc was coming in for a last-ditch tackle but it was nice finish."
Title Race Implications
The draw leaves Manchester City six points behind league leaders Arsenal, significantly damaging their title defence hopes. Guardiola's latest VAR outburst continues his ongoing criticism of the technology, which has become a recurring theme throughout the season.
Football Association officials are now likely to review Guardiola's comments, with the Manchester City manager potentially facing disciplinary action for what could be interpreted as bringing the game into disrepute through his sarcastic remarks about match officials and the VAR system.
