EPL: PEP GUARDIOLA RAISES CONCERNS OVER VAR SYSTEM STANDARDS
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Pep Guardiola has compared video assistant referee decisions to “a flip of a coin,” saying Premier League clubs cannot depend on VAR for consistent judgments.
Speaking on Wednesday, as reported by BBC Sport, the Manchester City manager addressed growing concerns over officiating standards following another controversial VAR incident involving West Ham United and Arsenal in the title race.
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Guardiola said City have also been on the wrong end of major decisions in recent years, particularly in the 2024 and 2025 FA Cup Final defeats.
“I never trust anything since I arrived a long time ago,” Guardiola said.
“I always learned you have to do it better, do it better, be in a position to do it better because you blame yourself with what you have to do, because (VAR) is a flip of a coin.”
The Spaniard recalled last season’s final against Crystal Palace, where City were left frustrated after goalkeeper Dean Henderson escaped a red card despite handling the ball outside the penalty area. Henderson later saved a penalty as Palace went on to win the match.
Guardiola also referenced City’s previous FA Cup final loss to Manchester United, claiming his side should have received two penalties during the game.
Despite voicing frustration over officiating, Guardiola insisted players must concentrate on factors within their control rather than blame refereeing decisions.
“When this happens it is because we have to do better. The only thing we can do is do it better, that is only in your control,” he added.
City remain firmly in the Premier League title race and are preparing for a crucial clash against Palace before facing Chelsea in this season’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
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