Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola launched a scathing attack on referees and the video assistant referee (VAR) system on Tuesday, saying he has “never believed in anything” involving officiating since arriving in England as the Premier League title race heads to a dramatic conclusion.
Guardiola’s comments came in the wake of fresh VAR controversy after the league leaders Arsenal beat West Ham United 1-0 on Sunday. West Ham thought they had grabbed a late equalizer but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
The decision sparked debate across English football and the title race entered a decisive phase. Arsenal are now five points clear of City, although Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand.
Ahead of Wednesday’s home game against Crystal Palace, Guardiola said City cannot afford to rely on refereeing decisions to go in their favor and must instead ensure they play well enough to stay above the VAR chaos.
“The only thing we can do is make it (the performance) better, that’s only in your control,” Guardiola told reporters.
“We’ve lost two FA Cup finals because the referees didn’t do their job, not even the VAR. When that happens, it’s because we have to improve, not the referees or the VAR.”
Guardiola, who often spoke cautiously about officiating in England during his time at City, was unusually blunt in his assessment of VAR and referees, describing the system as unpredictable and unreliable.
“I never believe in anything, ever since I arrived at City a long time ago,” said Guardiola.
“I learned that you have to do it better, be in a position to do it better because (if you don’t) you blame yourself for what you have to do because (VAR) is a coin toss.”
These remarks underline the tension surrounding the title fight, with every decision now carrying huge weight. Arsenal’s narrow win over West Ham has increased the pressure on City, who can no longer afford to slip up too much in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Despite the growing intensity, Guardiola insisted his side were only focused on the next challenge rather than looking too far ahead in the run-up.
“We play in this game, we go to Bournemouth and the last game at Aston Villa,” said Guardiola.
“The important thing is tomorrow and we’ll see what happens in the next matches.”
City host Crystal Palace on Wednesday, knowing victory will reduce Arsenal’s lead and keep the defending champions firmly in the hunt for another Premier League crown.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
13 May 2026 14:08 IST
