Pep Guardiola angered by VAR during Man City’s cup semi-final win at Newcastle

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration at VAR inconsistencies following his side’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Newcastle at St James’ Park.

City took the advantage in the first leg of the semi-final after Antoine Semenyo scored his second goal in as many games and Rayan Cherki wrapped up victory at the death.

However, the visitors had a goal controversially chalked off in the second half when Semenyo struck for a second time from a corner, but a lengthy VAR review deemed Erling Haaland to have been offside and impeding defender Malick Thiaw.

Guardiola expressed his frustrations post-match, suggesting there were incidents in City’s last game at St James’ Park in November that went unnoticed.

Asked if he had received an explanation for the decision, Guardiola replied: “It’s a good question.

“I say now I’d like to know why VAR in the 60th minute of the Premier League game against Newcastle – that we lost 2-1 – it was 0-0 and it was a penalty for (Fabian) Schar on Phil Foden, not even (giving it any) consideration.

“In the 20th minute there is an unbelievable penalty for the shot for Jeremy Doku off the hand, and not even VAR.

“Today, four people were not able to decide because the line was, I don’t know, but the second goal Newcastle scored the line was perfect.

#NEWMCI – 62’

Following an on-field review, the referee established that Haaland was in an offside position and disallowed the goal.

Referee announcement: “After review, Manchester City number 9 is in an offside position and impacts on the ability of the defender. Final… pic.twitter.com/TON32cTqIO

— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) January 13, 2026

“I’m not suspicious of that in 10 years. I didn’t say anything when we lost 2-1 here. I didn’t say