An analysis of the major refereeing controversies during Newcastle’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester City, which prompted angry reactions from Pep Guardiola and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
According to a report from Chronicle Live, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma were left furious following a controversial 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, centered on unawarded penalties and protests over the decisive goal.
The match, which saw Eddie Howe’s side earn three points thanks to a second-half double from Harvey Barnes, was rife with disputes. .
City’s keeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, was booked for his protests after Barnes scored the winner, which was reviewed for two issues: whether Donnarumma was impeded on the initial corner, and a potential offside on the recycled corner leading to the goal.
VAR ultimately confirmed that City star Bruno Guimaraes was “onside – by the smallest of margins but nevertheless onside.”
City also felt they were due at least one penalty earlier in the game. Referee Sam Barrott and VAR were unmoved on appeals for a handball after a Jeremy Doku shot hit Malick Thiaw’s hand, a claim the report dismissed as having “No chance.”
Guardiola was seen remonstrating with referee Barrott and Newcastle stars Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes at the final whistle, although the manager later downplayed the confrontation in his post-match press conference.
The result sends a defiant message from Newcastle with the visitors left frustrated by the officiating decisions.