Pep Guardiola responds to controversial referee decision during Man City vs Spurs

Pep Guardiola was not too keen on answering a question about the controversial referee decision during Manchester City vs Tottenham Hotspur.

City were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening as a late Dejan Kulusevski goal denied Guardiola’s men all three points.

With the match at 3-3, City were denied a late chance after referee Simon Hooper blew the whistle for a foul having originally waved play on as City had the advantage.

City fans and players were left baffled as Jack Grealish was about to get onto Haaland's pass but the referee blew his whistle.

After the match, City players, including Erling Haaland were not pleased with the referee’s decision, with the Norwegian reacting on social media.

During his post-match interview, Guardiola was asked to comment on the incident.

The City boss replied: “Next question. I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment.

“It is hard when you review the image, the referee decides to blow the whistle after he has already said to play on. After the pass, the whistle, so I do not understand this action.”

"Next question."

Pep Guardiola on the referee's decision to not play the advantage 👀 pic.twitter.com/LwQ6OUmZ5m

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 3, 2023

Guardiola added: “It was a good game, that is the most important thing. It was a pity, same as the Liverpool game, I had the feeling that today that we made an incredible performance in all departments, against a really good team and manager and how they play.

“We created a lot of chances, we were aggressive, incredibly concentrated, and the feeling is that we still want to be there [at the top of the table]. It is a pity. Sometimes football is like life, you do not get what you deserve.”

Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville said: “Haaland has lost his head. But l suspect that is partly frustration at having a pretty poor game in front of goal.

“City have conceded nine goals in four games. That will be a bigger concern at the end than the refereeing error when Grealish was through.”