Pep Guardiola was left fuming after Manchester City's 3-1 defeat at Liverpool, claiming VAR decisions showed double standards. The City boss pointed fingers at PGMOL chief Mike Riley, urging him to explain why handball calls are inconsistent.
City fell behind early when Fabinho scored, just 22 seconds after they felt they should have had a penalty for Trent Alexander-Arnold's handball. VAR upheld referee Michael Oliver's decision, noting Bernardo Silva had also handled seconds earlier.
In the second half, City again appealed for a penalty when Alexander-Arnold handled Raheem Sterling's cross, but no foul was given. Guardiola sarcastically thanked Oliver after the match, saying, 'Thank you so much. I said the same after the Tottenham game.'
Guardiola said: 'Ask Mike Riley and the big bosses about that. Don't ask me. I'm uncomfortable because it looks like Pep is complaining, but congratulations to Liverpool.' He added that City are 'new to the elite' compared to Liverpool's long history.
The defeat leaves City nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, intensifying the debate over VAR consistency in crucial matches.
