### VAR Controversy Overshadows Manchester City's Cup Victory Over Newcastle In a recent Carabao Cup semi-final match, Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory against Newcastle United. However, the match was marred by controversy surrounding a disallowed goal by Antoine Semenyo, which has reignited discussions about the effectiveness and consistency of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in football. Pep Guardiola, the City manager, expressed his frustration over the decision, particularly as it followed a contentious offside call against Erling Haaland that led to the goal being ruled out. This incident has drawn significant media attention and criticism from former players, including Gary Neville, who labeled the VAR decision as potentially the "worst ever" [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-city-var-pep-guardiola-36555397]. ### Breakdown of the VAR Incident and Reactions 1. **Match Overview**: - Manchester City defeated Newcastle 2-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final. - Antoine Semenyo scored but had a second goal disallowed after a VAR review deemed Erling Haaland offside [https://www.the-independent.com/sport/football/pep-guardiola-var-man-city-newcastle-b2900144.html]. 2. **Guardiola's Reaction**: - Guardiola expressed disbelief and anger over the VAR decision, calling for accountability from referees' chief Howard Webb [https://www.goal.com/en-ke/lists/pep-guardiola-tirade-against-var-antoine-semenyo-disallowed-goal-man-city-fa-cup-newcastle-bitterness-2025-final-defeat/blt672f2f41a40a4950]. - He highlighted a pattern of inconsistent officiating that has affected his team in previous matches, including last season's FA Cup final [https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/league-cup/articles/guardiola-lashes-out-at-var-after-contentious-semenyo-decision-2026-01-14]. 3. **Gary Neville's Support**: - Former Manchester United player Gary Neville backed Guardiola, criticizing the VAR decision as one of the worst he has seen [https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/gary-neville-var-pep-guardiola-33235701]. - Neville's comments reflect a broader sentiment among fans and analysts regarding the reliability of VAR in critical match situations [https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/breaking-newcastle-manchester-city-var-36547054]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Match Statistics**: - City had a total of 15 shots, with 7 on target, while Newcastle managed 8 shots with 3 on target. - The disallowed goal came after a lengthy VAR review lasting approximately six minutes, which has been criticized for its duration and impact on the game's flow [https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-antoine-semenyo-var-33225167]. - **Public Sentiment**: - Social media and sports commentary have been rife with discussions about the VAR system, with many fans expressing frustration over its implementation and the perceived inconsistency in decisions [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/semenyo-goal-disallowed-newcastle-var-man-city-carabao-cup/26fd5539eaecb64b34f81794]. ### Conclusion: The Ongoing VAR Debate The disallowed goal in Manchester City's recent match against Newcastle has reignited the debate over VAR's role in football. 1. **Key Findings**: - Guardiola's frustration highlights ongoing issues with VAR's consistency and transparency in decision-making. - The support from figures like Gary Neville underscores a growing discontent among players and fans regarding officiating standards. 2. **Implications for Future Matches**: - The incident may prompt further discussions within football governing bodies about the need for clearer guidelines and improved VAR protocols to enhance the game's integrity [https://www.expressandstar.com/uk-sports/2026/01/14/pep-guardiola-angered-by-var-during-man-citys-cup-semi-final-win-at-newcastle]. In summary, while Manchester City celebrated a crucial victory, the VAR controversy surrounding Antoine Semenyo's disallowed goal has left lingering questions about the future of officiating in football.