The Premier League have released a statement following Newcastle United v Man City VAR controversyplaceholder image
The Premier League have released a statement following Newcastle United v Man City VAR controversy | Getty Images
Newcastle United v Man City: The Premier League have released a statement on the VAR call to allow Harvey Barnes’ winner.
The Magpies had spurned a number of good chances in the first-half and were then pegged back by their visitors when Barnes put them ahead in the 63rd minute. However, Barnes popped up in the right place just seven minutes later to nudge his side once again into the lead and, after eight minutes of added time, one they held onto to the great relief of the vast majority inside St James’ Park.
However, Barnes’ second goal came with it a large amount of controversy and a long VAR check. Most of the intervention by the technology focussed on whether Bruno Guimaraes was in an offside position or not as his header rattled the crossbar before being poked home by Barnes and then whether Gianluigi Donnarumma had been fouled or not.
Eventually, referee Sam Barrott pointed to the centre spot to award the goal, much to the frustration of those in sky blue. As ever, the PL Match Centre explained the reasons for allowing the goal to stand, posting on X: ‘#NEWMCI – 70’ The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with both Guimarães and Barnes in onside positions in the build-up. The VAR also checked and confirmed the referee's call of no foul on Donnarumma prior to the goal.’.
Ruben Dias’ view on VAR call
Whilst Newcastle United celebrated what turned out to be the winning goal, Manchester City players continued to protest the decision. Ruben Dias, whose equaliser just moments earlier that restored parity between the sides, revealed post-match that he felt a number of decisions went against his side - including a potential penalty call in the first half after a tackle from Fabian Schar on Phil Foden.
“I feel like the one in the first half with Phil [Foden] they said it was pretty clear but I don't even go there,” Dias told Sky Sports. “Of all the decisions, only the second goal we need to make it make sense.
“Where's the sense in their player pushing our keeper out of the goal? What are we allowing and for how long?
“It's more like sometimes you allow it and sometimes you don't so what can you do? In the second goal Gigi (Donnarumma) is being pushed outside his area and there is no consequence.
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“I have had a chance to see, I didn't even see it out of the pitch. I had the chance to see the review and I think it is [Harvey] Barnes is pushing him away from the goal.
“We are so picky with certain contacts but then ones like this with the keeper, then they allow it. If this is the rule then fine. But then let us do the same.
“Back in the day it was a foul and now apparently it is allowed. It is one of them that when you lose people say you are trying to find excuses but today Newcastle were better.
“They deserved the win because of that. They were able to finish more chances than us. There needs to be a rule.”
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