Pep Guardiola sarcastically hit out at fourth official Anthony Taylor following Manchester City’s 3-3 draw with Tottenham.
The Spaniard appeared to be unhappy with referee Simon Hooper’s decision to blow the whistle for a foul on Erling Haaland just as Jack Grealish ran clean through on goal in the dying moments of the the match.
There was no offside flag indicated, and despite allowing play to continue, Hooper instead chose to call the play back for a foul on the Norwegian in the centre of the park – despite the obvious opportunity presented to Grealish at the other end.
Asked if he was given an explanation on the decision, Guardiola told be beIN Sports: ‘No, the master of commander Anthony Taylor knows everything in this business and didn’t tell me anything.’
His comments came moments after he told Sky Sports he wouldn’t do a ‘MIkel Arteta comment’, in reference to the Arsenal manager’s outburst after his side’s loss to Newcastle last month.
Man City were left fuming after the referee blew his whistle despite initially playing advantage
Jack Grealish got in behind the Spurs defence and looked set to run clean through on goal
Pep Guardiola sarcastically hit out at fourth official Anthony Taylor (right) after the match
‘Next question, I will not do a MIkel Arteta comment,’ Guardiola said when asked about the incident.
‘When you review image, referee whistle after saying play on and then after pass whistle. This is what I dont understand action.
‘Good game is most important thing, pity as think Liverpool game and today incredible performance in all departments. Create a lot of chances, aggressive and feeling we want to be there.
‘Pity but football like life and sometimes don’t get what you deserve. Congratulations to Spurs and onto next.’
City fell behind at the Etihad inside six minutes through Son Heung-min’s strike before the South Korean forward found the back of his own net three minutes later.
Mikel Arteta was left fuming after a VAR controversy during Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle
The draw with Tottenham has seen City drop to third and go three points behind Arsenal
Phil Foden put the hosts ahead just after the half hour marked bt they were, once again pegged back, by a curling effort from Giovani Lo Celso after 69 minutes.
Jack Grealish thought he scored the winner after coming off the bench to put City 3-2 up nine minutes from time. But Dejan Kulusevski’s powerful 90th minute header ensured the spoils were shared.
The 3-3 draw with Ange Postecoglou’s side has seen City drop to third in the table, three points behind league leaders Arsenal.
They will hope to return to winning ways on Wednesday night when they visit Villa Park to take on the in-form Aston Villa.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
