Pep Guardiola refuses to copy Arsenal boss after Man City controversy

Pep Guardiola said he would not 'do a Mikel Arteta comment' after he was asked about the controversial refereeing call in Manchester City's 3-3 Premier League draw with Tottenham.

City were incensed when referee Simon Hooper initially played advantage after Erling Haaland was fouled by Emerson Royal. The striker kept possession only for the official to blow his whistle after Haaland had played in Jack Grealish through on goal. Haaland was booked for his protests and posted "Wtf" after the game on social media, while his teammates were also fuming.

Guardiola admitted he struggled to understand the decision but refused to criticise the referee, referencing former assistant Mikel Arteta's rant after Arsenal lost 1-0 to Newcastle with a debatable goal given against them. "Next question. I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment," he said to Sky Sports.

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"It is hard when you review the image, the referee decides to blow the whistle after he has already said to play on. After the pass, the whistle, so I do not understand this action."

Guardiola expanded on his thoughts in his press conference with written media after the game, pointing out that players and managers also make mistakes and that the decision was not the reason for City not winning the game.

"It's an action. The game was really good from both sides, we played fantastic in the first half and the second they made a step forward," he said.

"In everything, we were really good but much better in the first half where we could have scored more. It's football, we have to manage better. I makes mistakes, the players make mistakes.

"It