Manchester City were left reeling after Antoine Semenyo had a goal disallowed for a 'subjective offside' in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg clash against Newcastle. The former Bournemouth striker put the visitors ahead in the second half and thought he had doubled his tally when he kneed the ball over the line following a corner. However, in an extraordinary and farcical scene, his second goal was disallowed following a lengthy VAR intervention.
The goal was checked due to a potential offside, with Erling Haaland lingering around the goalkeeper as Semenyo poked the ball into the net. The game was delayed for around five minutes as lines were drawn to determine whether an infringement had taken place. Eventually, referee Chris Kavanagh was asked to conduct a pitchside review for a 'subjective offside decision'.
He was also asked to consider the extent to which Haaland may have interfered with Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw's ability to try and clear the ball.
Kavanagh ultimately chose to rule out the goal, prompting scenes of wild celebration at St James' Park. City, meanwhile, were left furious as their players complained and manager Pep Guardiola went ballistic on the touchline.
Chris Sutton, who was on commentary duties for Sky Sports, was taken aback by the decision and did not hesitate to air his thoughts on the current state of the game.
"I find that decision incredible," he said. "You can see what it's done to the stadium... There's a bit of feeling now. Newcastle have gotten away with one.
"I've got to tell you, I think the game's gone. Thiaw was never going to react to that. It's a sheer guess from the referee."