Pep Guardiola has expressed doubt over video assistant referee consistency, saying he views its decision process as similar to a coin toss and has never fully placed trust in the system since its introduction in England.
Pep Guardiola has expressed doubt over video assistant referee consistency, saying he views its decision process as similar to a coin toss and has never fully placed trust in the system since its introduction in England.
He made the comments after renewed debate over VAR this week, triggered by a stoppage-time West Ham goal against Arsenal being disallowed following a lengthy review. That incident influenced both ends of the Premier League standings.
Guardiola also pointed to situations involving his own team, arguing that Manchester City have previously been disadvantaged by officiating decisions.
The City manager referenced two FA Cup final defeats in 2024 and 2025, claiming refereeing decisions, including VAR involvement, played a role in those losses.
He highlighted last year’s final defeat to Crystal Palace, where goalkeeper Dean Henderson saved a penalty, while also noting that Henderson might have been sent off for handling the ball outside his area, a moment he believes could have changed the match.
Guardiola also revisited the earlier final loss to Manchester United, where City felt they should have been awarded two penalties during the game.
Despite his criticism, Guardiola stressed that responsibility ultimately lies with his team’s performance rather than referees or technology.
He said the solution is not to blame officials or VAR, but for players to perform better and remove uncertainty from such situations through improved play.
According to him, the focus must remain on doing things more effectively, as that is the only aspect within their control.
Guardiola made his remarks ahead of Manchester City’s match against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, a game they must win to reduce Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to two points.
Even with a victory, City would still need Arsenal to drop points in their final two matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace to have a chance of winning the Premier League.
He also noted that City will face Chelsea in their third FA Cup final in as many seasons at Wembley on Saturday.
