Guardiola’s lack of trust comes from bitter personal experience in domestic finals, as he pointed to the last two FA Cup finals as evidence of where the system has failed his team. In 2024, the City boss was left fuming after Erling Haaland was brought down by Lisandro Martinez without a penalty being awarded, and later felt his star striker was being held by Kobbie Mainoo during a corner in the 2-1 loss to Manchester United. He also referenced the 2025 final where Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson appeared to handle the ball outside the area but escaped punishment.
“We lost the two finals of the FA Cup because the referees didn’t do their jobs they should do, even the VAR. When this happens it is because we have to do better, not the referees or VAR,” Guardiola insisted.