Premier League release statement after Man City crowd rage at controversial VAR replay for penalty as Guardiola loses it
MANCHESTER CITY fans and Pep Guardiola were left fuming after a replay of a controversial penalty decision was shown on the big screen at the Etihad.City took an early lead against Aston Villa via Bernardo Silva but then just minutes later, the visitors wanted a spot-kick.Jacob Ramsey won a penalty after being tripped by Ruben DiasCredit: GettyReferee Craig Pawson overturned his decision after watching a replay pitchsideCredit: GettyDias was adamant he got a piece of the ball and pulled out the challengeCredit: GettyThe centre-back pointed to the big screen as a different angle was shown to fans in the groundJacob Ramsey was knocked to the deck after a tangle with Ruben Dias in the penalty area.But the coming together was waved away by referee Craig Pawson.VAR reviewed the incident and sent the official to the pitchside monitor.Pawson eventually decided to overturn his decision and give a penalty after being shown a replay picked up by a camera behind Ramsey.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe foul was then shown on the big screen at the Etihad Stadium but a different angle was reportedly used.A view from behind the City goal appeared to be selected instead and that angle showed Dias getting a toe on the ball rather than clipping Ramsey’s heels.It enraged the home support who loudly booed and whistled as Dias himself pointed towards the big screen in anger. Guardiola was equally incensed and he protested wildly in his technical area.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe City boss was gesturing that Dias had pulled out of the challenge and got a piece of the ball.Guardiola was booked for his antics – his fourth this season – but Marcus Rashford kept his cool to score the penalty to level things at 1-1.Maya Jama reveals item she’s banned from the bedroom amid romance with Man City star Ruben DiasCity fans reacted: “VAR failing to show the angle where Dias gets the ball in order to change the referee’s mind and give a penalty. It’s an absolute farce.”Another added: “That isn’t a penalty, VAR does not show the angle where Ruben touched the ball.”A third reacted: “Yet again VAR don’t show best angle until after referee has decided.”But pundit Roy Keane disagreed with supporters and said Dias DID foul Ramsey.The Premier League later released a statement which read: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Aston Villa for a challenge by Dias on Ramsey – and deemed there was a clear trip and recommended an on-field review.”The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Aston Villa.”Man City’s anger was somewhat relieved by a late winner from Matheus Nunes as they won 2-1. ‘It wasn’t a trip’ – Mark Halsey’s viewBy Mark HalseyFORMER Premier League referee Mark Halsey has given his verdict on the penalty call…”I would not have given a penalty in real time. It was normal contact and a coming together between two players.”Pawson was in a great position and also did not see it as a foul. Dias was trying to get out of the way and Ramsey has been clever in winning the pen.”The next question is why has VAR got involved? It wasn’t a clear and obvious error. It’s subjective.”The Prem match centre posted on X: “VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Aston Villa for a challenge by Dias on Ramsey – and deemed there was a clear trip and recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty.”But Halsey added: “It wasn’t a trip. Pawson should have been stronger when he was sent to the monitor and stuck to his original decision.”On Guardiola’s reaction, Halsey said: “Guardiola was frustrated and rightly so but he cannot act like that on the touchline. He needs to set an example.”Pep Guardiola was left fuming on the touchlineCredit: ReutersGuardiola picked up a booking for his protestsCredit: AFP More