PEP GUARDIOLA launched a scathing attack on VAR after Manchester City edged past Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.
New £62million signing Antoine Semenyo made it two goals in his first two games for City before Rayan Cherki sealed a 2-0 win in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
Pep’s men are now in total control of the semi-final tie, with the return leg at the Etihad to be played early next month ahead of a potential final against Arsenal or Chelsea.
However, four-time Carabao winner Guardiola saw red while delivering his post-match verdict last night.
Semenyo thought he’d scored for a second time in the game with another well-taken finish.
But the ex-Bournemouth’s man strike was deemed to be offside following a VAR decision that took nearly six minutes to complete.
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Teammate Erling Haaland was finally judged to have stepped over the line, ending hopes of Semenyo adding to his early collection for City.
And Guardiola blasted VAR chiefs for their lengthy decision while pointing to a number of errors he feels have gone against his side in recent times.
The Spaniard claimed officials first missed a foul on Jeremy Doku in yesterday’s game.
He then stretched his mind back to November’s 2-1 Premier League defeat against Toon, insisting City were denied a penalty and that Newcastle’s winner was suspect.
Finally, Guardiola revisited his side’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace last season and brought up Dean Henderson’s infamous handball moment, where the Eagles goalie appeared to clearly handle outside the box and deny Haaland a goal.
Raging over whether Semenyo’s disallowed goal should have stood, Guardiola said: “It’s a good question.
“I would like to know why VAR in 90 minutes in the Premier League game at Newcastle, when we lost 2-1, it was an insane penalty on (Fabian) Schar for (Phil) Foden and not even a consideration.
“After 20 minutes there was an incredible foul on Jeremy Doku. Today four people were not able to decide but the second goal that Newcastle scored (in November) was perfect.
“I’m not suspicious of that in 10 years, I didn’t say anything when we lost here.
“I didn’t say anything in the FA Cup final (when Henderson was sent off). I didn’t say anything after (no) red card.
“Ok, it’s fine. But the fact that we don’t say it. I’m pretty sure Howard Webb is going to come in tomorrow.
“The margin was so small, the frame touched the ball to score a second goal, that was tight too.
“They won deservedly the Premier League game but why did it intervene in those two moments, and today it was more than six minutes.
“They will call me and explain it to me.”
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