This archive report was first published on 18 August 2019.
On Saturday, Manchester City's hopes of a dramatic comeback were dashed by VAR in their 2-2 draw against Tottenham. The incident has left manager Pep Guardiola calling for the technology to be 'fixed.'
Guardiola's side had been on the brink of a stunning victory when Gabriel Jesus fired home in stoppage-time, only for the goal to be disallowed for handball after a replay review showed Aymeric Laporte had flicked the ball on with his arm.
This was the second time City have been frustrated by VAR against Tottenham, following last season's Champions League quarter-final second leg when Fernando Llorente scored despite a potential handball, while Raheem Sterling had what would have been the winner ruled out for offside.
Guardiola expressed his frustration with the technology, saying, 'I thought we left that situation in Tottenham in the Champions League last season. But it is the same. The referee and VAR disallow it. It's the second time it's happened. It's honestly tough but it's the way it is.'
He also referenced a similar incident last week involving Wolves and Leicester, and a penalty decision in Chelsea's match against Manchester United, saying, 'They have to fix it.'
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, however, seemed to be in favor of VAR, joking that he was 'in love with VAR' after the match.
Published on August 18, 2019, at 6:32 AM.
