Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola launched a fierce critique of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions, despite his side securing a commanding 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Controversy Mars Comfortable Victory
The match at St James' Park on Wednesday 14 January 2026 saw City take a significant step towards Wembley. Antoine Semenyo continued his fine form, breaking the deadlock with his second goal in as many games. The visitors then sealed the win late on through Rayan Cherki's strike.
However, the victory was overshadowed by a contentious second-half incident. Semenyo thought he had doubled his tally from a corner, but the goal was disallowed following a lengthy VAR review. Officials ruled that Erling Haaland was in an offside position and impeding Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw, a decision that incensed the City bench.
Guardiola's Post-Match Frustration Erupts
Speaking after the final whistle, a visibly frustrated Guardiola pointed to perceived inconsistencies, referencing City's previous visit to Newcastle in the Premier League last November, which ended in a 2-1 defeat.
"It's a good question," Guardiola replied when asked if he had received an explanation for the disallowed goal. "I say now I'd like to know why VAR in the 60th minute of the Premier League game against Newcastle... it was a penalty for (Fabian) Schar on Phil Foden, not even consideration."
He listed further incidents, including a potential handball against Jeremy Doku, that he felt were overlooked. Guardiola emphasised that his frustration was not with the result but with the application of the technology. "I'm not suspicious of that in 10 years... but the fact we didn't say... I'm pretty sure Howard Webb is going to call me tomorrow to take explanations for that," he added, referring to the PGMOL's technical director.
Howe Looks Ahead to Daunting Second Leg
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe conceded his team now face a monumental task to overturn the deficit at the Etihad Stadium in February. "I think it is probably our biggest challenge, our biggest test of everything really," Howe admitted.
He acknowledged the need for a near-perfect performance in the return leg, stating, "We're going to have to defend well in that game, otherwise we've got no chance." Howe plans to put the tie to one side for now, with his team having five crucial fixtures before the second leg.
While Manchester City hold a strong advantage, the post-match narrative was dominated not by the scoreline, but by Guardiola's pointed questions about the consistency of officiating in the modern game.
