Ex-Fifa official: Pep Guardiola set for FA punishment after controversial Man City reveal
Pep Guardiola should face an FA punishment for his comments as Man City lost 1-0 to Liverpool on Sunday (16 October), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed Guardiola needed a “wrap across the knuckles” for “questioning the integrity” of the match officials.
The 51-year-old was not happy that his side’s goal via Phil Foden was disallowed for a foul by Erling Haaland in the build-up after a VAR review.
Anthony Taylor initially let play continue and Foden finished the move off before he reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and overturned his decision.
Guardiola told Sky Sports after the game that the decision did not go Man City’s way because the game was at Anfield.
“He can’t say that,” Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I think that’s something that means he needs a letter from the FA because he needs a wrap across the knuckles.
“He’s actually questioning the integrity of the referee and you are not allowed to do that.
“This nonsense that you don’t get decisions at Anfield is a nonsense. It’s a myth that shouldn’t be added to, it’s one that should be rebutted.”
Man City have only won once against Liverpool at Anfield since May 2003.
That came in February 2021 when they won 4-1 in the Premier League as the Reds lined up with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson at centre-back amid a defensive injury crisis.
In other news, an insider has claimed that Man City may have already made a new hire in secret after a journalist’s reveal.