Pep Guardiola vents his VAR grievances amid Man City Carabao Cup controversy over Antoine Semenyo disallowed goal
13 January 2026, 22:52 | Updated: 14 January 2026, 20:36
Pep Guardiola unleashed an extraordinary takedown of previous VAR calls that have gone against Manchester City following Antoine Semenyo's controversial disallowed goal in their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win at Newcastle.
Semenyo scored again for City as his new club took control against holders Newcastle - but was controversially denied another goal by VAR.
Semenyo's opener was swiftly followed by a clever finish from a corner, only for referee Chris Kavanagh to be sent to the pitchside monitor to review a "subjective offside" call concerning Erling Haaland.
There was no doubt the City striker was marginally ahead of the last defender, but as well as the offside, the dispute was over his interference with play as he grappled with Malick Thiaw close to the line.
VAR deemed Haaland to be impeding, and, after a five-minute delay, Kavanagh eventually agreed.
"Four officials and VAR were not able to take the decision, they had to go to the referee," said Guardiola, who decided to bring up some previous VAR calls that went against his team last year.
"I don't understand why in the Premier League game with [Fabian] Schar on Phil [Foden] why VAR didn't say anything. Then the penalty with [Jeremy] Doku and Thiaw.
"Today, the line was perfect. Millimetres. I don't understand but I'm pretty sure the official will call me tomorrow to explain why VAR didn't intervene at 0-0 here [St James' Park] in the Premier League.
"Look back at my press conference. I didn't say anything after that game. But here, VAR intervenes but not for two unbelievable penalties.
"We know how it works and that will make us stronger. I've said it many times to the team, it is always about that. It's in that situation how we react and how we compete.
- Newcastle 0-2 Manchester City - Match report & highlights
- As it happened | Teams | Stats
- Got Sky? Watch Carabao Cup on the Sky Sports app
