Manchester City supporters and manager Pep Guardiola expressed strong displeasure after a replay of a contentious penalty incident was displayed on the large screen at the Etihad Stadium.
City had taken an early lead against Aston Villa through Bernardo Silva. However, just a few minutes later, the visiting side appealed for a penalty.
Jacob Ramsey won a penalty after being tripped by Ruben Dias
Referee Craig Pawson overturned his decision after watching a replay pitchside
Dias was adamant he got a piece of the ball and pulled out the challenge
Jacob Ramsey went down in the penalty area following a challenge from Ruben Dias. Initially, referee Craig Pawson chose not to award a spot-kick.
VAR reviewed the incident and subsequently recommended that the referee consult the pitchside monitor. After reviewing a replay, reportedly from a camera positioned behind Ramsey, Pawson reversed his original decision and awarded the penalty.
Controversially, the replay shown to the crowd on the Etihad`s big screen allegedly used a different angle – one from behind the City goal. This view seemed to indicate that Dias touched the ball with his toe before contacting Ramsey, rather than tripping him.
This apparent discrepancy sparked fury among the home supporters, who voiced their displeasure with loud boos and whistles. Ruben Dias himself was seen pointing towards the big screen in frustration.
Pep Guardiola was equally visibly angered, protesting vehemently in his technical area.
The centre-back pointed to the big screen as a different angle was shown to fans in the ground
The City manager`s gestures suggested his belief that Dias had withdrawn from the full challenge and had made contact with the ball.
Guardiola received a booking for his protests, his fourth of the season. Despite the controversy, the subsequent penalty was converted by Aston Villa, leveling the score at 1-1.
City fans took to social media to react. One comment read: “VAR failing to show the angle where Dias gets the ball in order to change the referee`s mind and give a penalty. It`s an absolute farce.” Another added: “That isn’t a penalty, VAR does not show the angle where Ruben touched the ball.” A third fan lamented: “Yet again VAR don’t show best angle until after referee has decided.”
In contrast, pundit Roy Keane disagreed with the fans` sentiment, stating that Dias *did* commit a foul on Ramsey.
The Premier League later issued a statement clarifying the VAR process: “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. The referee overturned the original decision and awarded a penalty to Aston Villa.”
Former Referee Mark Halsey`s View
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey offered his perspective on the penalty decision.
“I would not have given a penalty in real time. It was normal contact and a coming together between two players,” Halsey stated.
He noted that Pawson was well-positioned and initially agreed it wasn`t a foul, adding: “Dias was trying to get out of the way and Ramsey has been clever in winning the pen.”
Halsey questioned VAR`s involvement, arguing: “The next question is why has VAR got involved? It wasn`t a clear and obvious error. It`s subjective.”
Despite the official statement from the Premier League explaining the VAR check led to the penalty being awarded, Halsey reiterated his view: “It wasn`t a trip. Pawson should have been stronger when he was sent to the monitor and stuck to his original decision.”
Regarding Guardiola`s reaction, Halsey commented: “Guardiola was frustrated and rightly so but he cannot act like that on the touchline. He needs to set an example.”
Pep Guardiola was left fuming on the touchline
Guardiola picked up a booking for his protests
Ultimately, Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory in the match, with Matheus Nunes scoring a late winner, which may have helped alleviate some of the earlier frustration caused by the VAR incident.
