Newcastle United benefited from a strange VAR decision against Man City but trail 2-0 heading into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final
Antoine Semenyo argues with referee Chris Kavanagh during Manchester City's game against Newcastle United
Antoine Semenyo had a goal controversially ruled out during Newcastle's clash with Man City(Image: Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Former top-flight referee Keith Hackett has condemned the decision to disallow Antoine Semenyo's strike for Manchester City against Newcastle United, describing it as 'ludicrous'. The new signing had already put Pep Guardiola's side ahead with a composed finish at the far post following excellent build-up play down the left from Jeremy Doku.
The ex-Bournemouth forward believed he'd doubled his tally mere moments afterward. Semenyo directed a clever back-heel beyond Nick Pope into the far corner from a Tijjani Reijnders set piece, only for Stuart Attwell, operating VAR, to suggest Chris Kavanagh review the incident on the pitchside screen.
The strike was chalked off with Erling Haaland considered to be in an offside position and judged to have obstructed Pope's view, keeping the scoreline at 1-0.
The officials required five minutes to arrive at that conclusion, with Pep Guardiola expressing his displeasure following the final whistle.
Former Premier League official Hackett told Football Insider: "Being in an offside position, in itself, is not an offence. Haaland, judged to be in an offside position, does not interfere with his opponent.
"And certainly hasn't interfered with the goalkeeper - he's behind him. I think this is a ludicrous decision. The goal should have stood.
"And for the semi-automated offside technology, it appears to be letting our referees down because Stuart Attwell took an age to advise Kavanagh. What a poor decision to rule out this goal."
Antoine Semenyo scores a goal that is later ruled out for offside during Manchester City's clash with Newcastle United
Antoine Semenyo scored a goal that was later ruled out for offside during Manchester City's clash with Newcastle United(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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Rayan Cherki netted a second during additional time, handing Guardiola's side a crucial edge ahead of next month's return fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
However, the City manager was incandescent regarding the VAR ruling. In his post-match remarks he stated: "I will say it now. I would like to know why VAR in 60 minutes in the Premier League game at Newcastle when we lost 2-1, it was 0-0 and it was an insane penalty on Schar for Phil Foden and not even a consideration. And at 20 minutes there is an unbelievable penalty from a shot from Jeremy Doku that hit Thiaw's hand, and not even VAR.
"Today four people were not able to decide because the line was I don't know, but the second goal that Newcastle scored (in November) the line was perfect. I'm not suspicious of that in 10 years. I didn't say anything when we lost 2-1 here.
"I didn't say anything in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace when it was a red card after 30 minutes for [Dean] Henderson. Did I say anything? No. It's okay. It's fine.
"In the same stadium where VAR didn't intervene? Take a look at 60 minutes and 20 minutes. Take a look at the two penalties. Coming here and winning 1-0 or 2-0 is a big advantage and a big difference for us. I don't give any credit from Newcastle.
"They won deservedly the Premier League game but why did it intervene in those two moments and today it was more than six minutes and they were not able to discuss with the referee to do it? They will call me and explain it to me."
Magpies boss Eddie Howe, however, didn't give a specific comment on the incident, but said VAR took too long to reach a conclusion.
"I’ve got no view of it really," the Newcastle boss said. "I’ve not seen it again so I can’t give you an opinion. Yes, I think it’s too long, especially on a cold night, not just for the players but for the supporters of both clubs.
"So I don’t know why that took so long, I’ve got no idea, but for me it’s too long. But the right decision hopefully reached, then okay, but can we speed that up?"