Pep Guardiola revealed his fury at VAR after seeing Manchester City’s potential winner away at Brighton chalked off following a foul by Erling Haaland.
The City striker was spotted pulling back Seagulls defender Levi Colwill as Cole Palmer’s cross was sent towards him, before Haaland headed home what could have been the decisive goal in the latter stages at the Amex Stadium.
The goal was initially given by referee Simon Hooper before VAR referred him to a replay, which clearly showed the Norwegian with a fistful of Colwill’s shirt.
However, Guardiola - who was booked for his protests and, in a moment of refreshing honesty, admitted the card was simply for “complaining” - described the verdict as “ridiculous”.
“If it is a fault, there are 25 faults to every defender when they make a long ball,” he told BBC Sport.
“If it is a fault, every time it is a fault.
NO GOAL ❌
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 24, 2023
Erling Haaland has a goal ruled out for a shirt pull on Levi Colwill pic.twitter.com/Q5IrwSx2w9
“Come on. It is ridiculous. The goal disallowed is ridiculous but it doesn't matter.”
City finished level with Brighton after Phil Foden’s first-half opener, set up by Haaland, was cancelled out by Julio Enciso’s stunning strike.
