Jeremy Doku, Pep Guardiola, Man City
Credit: Imago / DAZN
Keith Hackett
Tue 1 July 2025 17:00, UK
Pep Guardiola’s outrage was reasonable after Jeremy Doku was on the end of a “reckless” challenge during Man City versus Al-Hilal, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Al Hilal’s Kaio should have been cautioned following a desperate tackle on the Belgian winger.
With the game tied at 2-2 in the dying moments of normal time on Tuesday, 1 July, and goals coming from Bernardo Silva, Marcos Leonardo, Malcom, and Erling Haaland, the Citizens had one final chance.
Doku, who looked to drag his team up the pitch for a final attack before extra time, was taken out in a decent free-kick position, but instead of the foul being awarded, the referee blew the full-time whistle.
Pep Guardiola enraged over Al-Hilal controversy
Guardiola, who remains under pressure at Man City from last season, was seething with the last-gasp decision, running onto the pitch to confront referee Jesus Valenzuela Saez.
High on emotions, the Catalan made his feelings known to the official, launching into an X-rated rant before another 30 minutes of extra time at the Camping World Stadium.
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Al Hilal took first blood in extra time through Kalidou Koulibaly before Phil Foden‘s effort was cancelled out by Leonardo’s second goal of the game, knocking the Citizens out of the tournament.
Many fans expected the Premier League giants to reach the final, potentially facing Enzo Maresca‘s Chelsea along the way, but it was not to be over in America.
Matters could have been very different had the referee allowed a free-kick to be taken at the end of normal time, and Hackett believes this is exactly what should have happened.
Pep Guardiola Man City
Pep Guardiola was furious with the decision on Jeremy Doku. (Credit: Imago)
Keith Hackett condemns missed decision in Club World Cup shock
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The challenge on Doku was reckless and should have received a yellow card.
“The referee is the sole timekeeper of the game and determines when to blow for the final whistle. However, in practice, I would have expected a yellow card to be issued, a free kick restart and then the referee to add some additional time.”
Jeremy Doku of Manchester City looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadi...
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Al Hilal will now face Fluminense in the quarter-finals, the side that, surprisingly, beat Inter Milan 2-0, while Guardiola’s side return to England and prepare for the 2025/26 campaign to kick off.
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