The Premier League have released a statement on a key decision that left Pep Guardiola fuming during Manchester City’s clash with Aston Villa.
City, in their hunt for a top-five finish and qualification for the Champions League, got off to the perfect start against their opponents, going 1-0 up early on through Bernardo Silva.
Things went south pretty quickly, though, with Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford levelling things up from the penalty spot after a VAR intervention that led to the penalty being awarded.
Jacob Ramsey was seemingly tripped by Ruben Dias in the City box, but official Craig Pawson waved play on – at least temporarily. VAR official John Brooks recommended a review, and the decision was changed.
Replays showed that there was contact between Dias and Ramsey, despite the Man City man putting his hands in the air as if to signal there was no intention to make contact. Guardiola, though, protested.
The City boss was seen mimicking Dias’ actions as replays were shown on the big screen, but the league have now released a statement explaining why the call was overturned.
‘VAR checked the referee’s call of no penalty to Aston Villa for a challenge by Dias on Ramsey – and deemed there was a clear trip and recommended an on-field review,’ a social media post read.
‘The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Aston Villa.’
Sky Sports pundits Roy Keane and Shay Given, meanwhile, agreed with the decision, despite overwhelming boos inside the Etihad.
‘I know City are fuming but he takes him out,’ Keane said. ‘Everyone talks about his arms, he catches him.
‘He has no chance of getting the ball. Pep is frustrated, but it is a penalty.’
Given added: ‘There is a slight touch [on the ball] but it doesn’t mean it’s not a penalty. It is a foul, the right decision.
‘Rashford, full of confidence, scores.’
More to follow.
