Pundits agree on VAR decision to rule out Rodri goal for Man City vs FC Copenhagen

A clutch of BT Sport pundits have roundly criticised the decision to rule out Rodri's outstanding strike in Manchester City's Champions League tie at Copenhagen.

The Spaniard struck a delightful long-range effort early on in the contest but his joy was short-lived after VAR intervened and chalked it off after a handball in the build-up by City teammate Riyad Mahrez. The decision infuriated City's onlooking fans and also ex-City midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

When asked if Mahrez's hand was in a unnatural position, the former midfielder said: "No. That’s one of the best finishes I’ve seen this season, by Rodri. It's one of the best strikes I’ve seen all season, deserved a goal - a dreadful decision."

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Fellow former City man Joleon Lescott concurred, saying: "It's a ridiculous strike, we’ve seen him score some strikes in the Premier League and his first in the Champions League would’ve been special. It was chalked off for handball, which is harsh in my opinion but you can’t take nothing away from the strike."

Peter Crouch, also on punditry duty, added his displeasure: "You can see the reactions of the players, nobody is asking for it at all.

"It’s clearly accidental, that’s the problem with the handball law - he’s been asked to have a look at it and you know he’s going to change (his decision). Rodri has been robbed of a fantastic goal. If that was me, I’d be absolutely fuming."

VAR interventions marred the goalless first half, with the officials awarding City a penalty — which Mahrez missed — before they stepped in to advise a red card for Sergio Gomez.

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