The Manchester City manager was furious after Anthony Taylor and his team of referees – including those on VAR – ruled out Tyler Adams’ goal for Bournemouth in Sunday’s match at the Etihad Stadium.
City led midway through the first half thanks to another goal from prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. The tie was restored when American star Adams found the net. He did so despite locals’ advice that Gianluigi Donnarumma had been embarrassed.
The Italian goalkeeper claimed that his arm had been pulled by David Brooks at a corner, preventing him from touching the ball with his fist. Donnarumma was unable to properly control the cross in his penalty area, so Adams only had to push the ball into the back of the net five meters from goal.
City’s protests were in vain, with Donnarumma receiving a yellow card for disputing his comments. Furious, Guardiola turned to fans on the touchline, urging them to be more vocal and support his players. The Catalan coach then spoke about another contentious incident, but was quick to explain why he would not seek a meeting with Taylor and Premier League refereeing bosses.
Guardiola annoyed by many decisions since 2016
After being baffled by several major decisions made during his nine-and-a-half years in charge of Manchester City, Guardiola told reporters: “I do not contest the decisions of the referees, that is not my role. I don’t do it. Of course, they won’t tell me, but (Brooks stepped in) and pulled (Donnarumma’s arm) down, knocking him off balance. And after that, I’m sorry to tell you. But I have said it many times, I know all the referees, I have known them perfectly for ten years, I know what happens in this stadium. I know it.
“I’m not disputing it. I don’t have time. My schedule is busy, I have three matches to play. I don’t have time to waste talking. I told (Taylor) afterwards, when we meet, tell me if it was a foul or not, because I’m waiting. »
“Whether there is a mistake or not, tell me. Just look. It’s good. They are brave here. At the Etihad, they are brave, so brave. I’ve been here ten years and we know each other pretty well. I’m delighted with what we’ve achieved with Man City, despite everything, it’s really great. Really great. »
Guardiola explains why he will not meet the referees.
This is not the first time Guardiola has attacked Premier League officials. Present at the Etihad Stadium since 2016, he has already declared that he wants to avoid debates with those who have difficult jobs: “ I go to the match and I never know who the referee is. When I see his face, I say to myself: “Ah yes, I remember that face”. I never talk about referees, neither before, nor during, nor after – never, ever.
“A mistake is a mistake, and we are disappointed, and when luck smiles on us, we are lucky. But I’m not wasting my time. I have to save, I have to choose carefully what I have to do. I don’t spend a second on referees, especially when we lose. I just focus on what I need to do to play well. Decisions are decisions, and during the season there are moments that help you, others that don’t.
