Ex-PGMOL chief: VAR has made ‘clear error’ as Dominic Solanke footage vs Man City re-analysed
Man City were left seething after Dominic Solanke scored in controversial circumstances during their Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Pep Guardiola‘s side drew 2-2 with Spurs after a brace from Solanke in a result which has put another major dent in their ambitions of winning the league title.
City were 2-0 up at half-time thanks to goals from Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo, and appeared to be cruising to another routine victory.
However, they were pegged back to a draw by Solanke’s two goals including a sensational scorpion kick to equalise and ultimately snatch a point from the title chasers.
Dominic Solanke’s goal should have been disallowed
Despite the discussions surrounding another frustrating result for Guardiola’s side, it was yet another refereeing error which grabbed the headlines.
Replays of Solanke’s first goal appeared to show the striker had kicked through the back of Marc Guehi‘s leg, which ultimately took the ball beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Despite the footage in replays of the incident seeming relatively clear-cut, VAR official Jarred Gillett opted against sending referee Rob Jones to review his decision.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider after reviewing the footage, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett could not understand why Gillett had not intervened.
“When you look at the replay of the Tottenham goal,” he told Football Insider, “It is rather surprising and disappointing that the goal was allowed.
“Clearly, a foul had taken place prior to the ball going into the back of the net. Dominic Solanke kicks Marc Guehi in the back of the leg, that is a foul.
“Where was VAR? Allowing the goal was a clear and obvious error, VAR should have intervened.
“I have no doubt if the referee had the opportunity of going to the monitor, this goal would have been ruled out.
“It was another poor piece of officiating this weekend, which has not been good for match officials.”
Pep Guardiola’s referee rant proved right yet again
This is not the first time City have fallen foul of a referee’s decision in recent weeks, after a controversial incident with VAR during their 2-0 win against Wolves.
Pep Guardiola hit out at referee Farai Hallam and PGMOL chief Howard Webb following the incident, demining and explanation to why his side were denied a penalty.
Hallam was later praised by Alan Shearer for his “brave” decision, who argued against Guardiola’s rant in support of the Premier League debutant official.
However, a little over a week later, City have been dealt a blow by another controversial VAR decision which will likely have Guardiola raging again.
For more Man City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.