Pep Guardiola went straight to referee Sam Barrott after Manchester City’s loss to Newcastle, following a match filled with controversial calls. City felt they were denied a penalty, a handball shout and suffered a tight offside ruling—decisions that contributed to a damaging defeat that leaves them four points behind leaders Arsenal.
When asked about his post-match talk with the referee, Guardiola kept calm, saying:
“Nothing. Everything is fine.”
Sky Sports later reported he even visited the referee’s room, but again Guardiola brushed it off: “It is what it is.”
Despite their frustration, City now find themselves with their worst league start in five years, although they did still win the 2020-21 title from a similar position.
Was the Foden Incident a Penalty?
The biggest talking point came at 0-0 when Phil Foden shot wide after Fabian Schar caught him with studs on the ankle. The referee waved play on, and VAR agreed.
The Premier League rulebook suggests that if contact is “inevitable,” play may continue—but reckless challenges should still be punished. Pundits didn’t agree on this call.
Wayne Rooney insisted, “I think it’s a penalty… the challenge affects Foden’s shot.”
But former defender Jonathan Woodgate argued, “I don’t think it’s a penalty. He hasn’t done enough.”
Another moment saw Doku’s shot hit Malick Thiaw’s arm, but again no penalty was given. Micah Richards felt this one was stronger, saying Thiaw was fortunate because “he doesn’t have a flat palm.”
Newcastle’s second goal also sparked debate as a late screenshot showed Bruno Guimaraes possibly onside by fractions before Harvey Barnes scored from the rebound.
Guardiola: “We Are Used to It”
Frustrations boiled over late on, with City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma furious over a possible foul during the decisive corner. He was booked for arguing and even clashed with Newcastle staff.
Guardiola summed up City’s mood simply:
“We are used to it.”
Yet he refused to blame officials afterward, adding that nothing he says will change the result and that he isn’t interested in making excuses.
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