Referee Chris Kavanagh reviews the VAR monitor, which resulted in a goal scored by Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City (not pictured) being ruled out for offside during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James' Park on January 13, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Referee Chris Kavanagh reviews the VAR monitor, which resulted in a goal scored by Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City (not pictured) being ruled out for offside during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St James' Park on January 13, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester City: Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki scored to give Pep Guardiola’s side a clear advantage in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
City now take a 2-0 lead into the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Etihad Stadium next month while Newcastle’s Carabao Cup defence is hanging by a thread.
Antoine Semenyo gave Man City the lead in the second half and thought he’d made it 2-0 shortly after only for a lengthy VAR check to rule the goal out for offside against Erling Haaland.
Manchester City disallowed goal
Although Haaland didn’t touch the ball, the Man City striker was in an offside position as he tussled with Malick Thiaw near Nick Pope. The five-minute 30-second VAR check prompted referee Chris Kavanagh to consult his pitchside monitor and overturn the decision.
Following the match, City head coach Pep Guardiola said: “I would like to know [why the goal was disallowed]. Why they decide to intervene for more than six minutes, or five minutes 30 seconds? The margin was so small.”
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer also hit out at the call that went in favour of his side, admitting he would ‘be going mad’ had the shoe been on the other foot.
The former striker took to X to post: “I’d be going mad if that was against Newcastle. It’s crap and they have got it all wrong.”
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone.Simply click this linkto join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Newcastle United star disagrees with Alan Shearer & Pep Guardiola
Newcastle defender Dan Burn, who was on punditry duties on Sky Sports as he recovers from injury, felt the match officials ultimately came to the correct decision.
“I do think it is the right decision, I just don't like the subjective offside,” Burn said. “It's either offside, or it's not. We don't want to see that, but by the letter of the law it should be disallowed.”
City goalscorer Semenyo told Sky Sports after the match: “The second goal should have counted. The referee came and spoke to me and told me what was going on. It is what it is.
“Tough game today but if we stuck in there we knew we would get chances. I was in the right area to tap it in and we were victorious so I am happy.”
Continue Reading