Pep Guardiola made a beeline for referee Sam Barrott at full-time on Saturday night after Manchester Metropolis’s Premier League loss at Newcastle.
Following a contest full of contentious choices, that specific act from the Spaniard might be seen coming a mile away.
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Metropolis felt they have been on the fallacious finish of a penalty name, a handball shout and a decent offside choice as they suffered a dangerous loss which leaves them third within the desk – 4 factors behind leaders Arsenal having performed a recreation extra.
Nevertheless, Guardiola was in no temper to debate refereeing choices after the match.
Requested by BBC Sport what dialog had taken place with Barrott, Guardiola seemed to maintain his feelings in examine and easily replied: “Nothing. All the things is ok.”
Sky Sports activities reported that Guardiola went into the referee’s room at St James’ Park after the sport – and pushed on this situation he once more mentioned “every thing is ok” and “it’s what it’s”.
Manchester Metropolis have misplaced 4 of their opening 12 Premier League video games this season [Reuters]
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A foul or not sufficient to overturn?
Fabian Schar caught Phil Foden within the field, however no penalty was awarded [Getty Images]
At 0-0 on 18 minutes, Foden discovered his method into the field and struck a shot which went large.
Newcastle defender Schar had come flying throughout and caught the Metropolis midfielder on the left ankle together with his studs, leaving the England playmaker writhing in ache.
Referee Barrott, although, awarded solely a goal-kick for the hosts and video assistant referee (VAR) Craig Pawson agreed with the on-field choice.
Based on the Premier League’s handbook, if “contact is inevitable” between defender and attacker then “play ought to sometimes be allowed to proceed”.
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Nevertheless, the legislation additionally states that when “contact is both reckless (yellow card) or critical foul play (crimson card) then a penalty kick and applicable sanction is the anticipated end result”.
On this event, Barrott deemed Schar’s problem to not be reckless – however pundits have been cut up on the choice.
“I believe it is a penalty,” former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney informed BBC Sport.
“The referee might need seemed on the reality he has received his shot away earlier than the contact, however the Schar problem has impacted Foden’s set-up for the shot after which there’s contact. It is a foul.”
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Former Newcastle defender Jonathan Woodgate mentioned on BBC Radio 5 Dwell: “I do not suppose Schar will get the ball, however I do not suppose it is a penalty.
“I do not suppose he does sufficient.”
Ex-Manchester Metropolis defender Micah Richards mentioned on Sky Sports activities “there may be contact” however what had saved Schar is the actual fact Foden had already taken his shot.
“I do not suppose it is sufficient to overturn,” he added.
Was Guimaraes onside or off?
A screenshot was launched exhibiting Bruno Guimaraes was onside for Harvey Barnes’ successful objective, though the preliminary TV replay didn’t present the offside traces [Premier League]
Minutes later, a strike from Jeremy Doku struck Malick Thiaw on the arm, however the choice to not award a penalty on the sphere was supported by VAR.
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“I believe that could be a penalty,” mentioned Richards. “The one factor that saves him is as a result of he does not have a flat palm. That is the one factor I can consider that saves him.”
Harvey Barnes was Newcastle’s match-winner with a quickfire double, however there was debate over whether or not his second objective within the seventieth minute ought to have stood.
Tv replays of the incident didn’t initially show traces drawn for a potential offside, though a screenshot later appeared to point out Bruno Guimaraes was onside when he headed towards the crossbar.
Barnes adopted in to attain – and Newcastle’s gamers and followers celebrated wildly after the objective was rubber-stamped following a five-minute wait.
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“The defending for the second objective was simply not adequate,” mentioned Richards. “He ought to by no means have a free header on the far put up.
“Ruben Dias’ bicep [kept] Bruno on – it is extremely shut. And the Barnes offside, we’re speaking fractions.”
‘I did not come right here guilty’
The consequence means Metropolis have suffered 4 defeats of their opening 12 video games of a Premier League season for the primary time since 2013-14.
Mikel Arteta’s males host north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday – and Guardiola’s aspect might have utilized actual stress with a win to maneuver to inside some extent, however didn’t take their probability.
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Not solely did Guardiola look livid at full-time, Metropolis goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was left incensed too.
The Italy worldwide felt he was fouled from the preliminary nook from the successful objective, simply as he argued he had been within the , and was booked for his remonstrations.
Donnarumma appeared to argue with Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall throughout the recreation and needed to be dragged away on the finish.
“He felt a contact,” mentioned Guardiola. “However the VAR and the referees resolve the other. We’re used to it.”
The Metropolis boss added: “The final 5 questions [have been] about referees and the actions. Ask the referees. I did not see the photographs but and nothing goes to alter.
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“I performed two FA Cup finals towards Manchester United and Crystal Palace and oh my god, did I say one thing? Nothing. It’s what it’s. And I misplaced. The very first thing I did on behalf of my membership was congratulate United and Palace.
“I am not coming right here to speak about referees, it is gone. I did not come right here guilty. It is positive. It did not occur towards Bournemouth so it is regular it did not occur at this time.”