Gary Neville slams ‘worst decision ever’ as Pep Guardiola backed over Man City VAR fume

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Gary Neville has backed Pep Guardiola's frustration over Antoine Semenyo's disallowed goal in the match against Newcastle United. The recent Man City recruit had already netted one and believed he'd doubled his score just minutes later.

The Ghanaian international nudged Tijjani Reijnders' corner past Nick Pope , only for Stuart Attwell on VAR to suggest Chris Kavanagh review the footage. The referee subsequently disallowed the goal, ruling Erling Haaland to be offside and having interfered with Newcastle's attempt to clear the ball.

Despite his team leading 2-0 into the second leg thanks to Rayan Cherki's later goal, Guardiola was visibly irate at the final whistle.

On The Overlap - Stick to Football podcast, Neville said: "I thought [it was] the worst decision I have ever seen. I think Pep was absolutely spot on. I couldn't believe what I was watching. He [Haaland] was never getting near that goalkeeper."

Ex-United midfielder Roy Keane pondered if Haaland could have been more strategic with his positioning but criticised VAR for its lengthy decision-making process.

Neville added: "The keeper was nowhere near Haaland, the defender would never have stopped that.

"It was one of those with VAR that winds everyone up because it's the tiniest little thing," former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher chimed in.

Neville said: "Newcastle aren't quite getting results but every time I watch them, I like them. I like watching Newcastle play, I think they play the right way."

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Post-match, Guardiola expressed his frustration and said: "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.