VAR is a flip of a coin, says Guardiola

"“We lost the two finals of the FA Cup because the referees didn't do their jobs they should do, even the VAR,” the Spaniard said. City lost to Crystal Palace in last year's final, with the Eagles' goalkeeper Dean Henderson saving a penalty. But the England man could have seen red for handling outside the area, which may have changed the outcome of the game. That came after City were left aggrieved following the previous year's loss to Manchester United, believing they should have been awarded two penalties in the game."

"“I never trust anything since I arrived a long time ago. Always I learned you have to do it better, do it better, be in a position to do it better because you blame yourself with what you have to do, because (VAR) is a flip of a coin.” Guardiola was speaking before Wednesday's meeting with Palace, which they need to win to cut Arsenal's lead at the top of the table to two points."

"“When this happens it is because we have to do better, not the referees or VAR,” he continued. “Of course it is not in our hands in the Premier League. Always I say to the players, 'Do it, do it, do it better”"

Pep Guardiola compared video assistant referee decision-making to a coin flip and said he has never trusted VAR since it was introduced in England. He linked his view to perceived referee errors affecting Manchester City, citing FA Cup final defeats in 2024 and 2025 where he said referees and VAR did not do their jobs. He referenced a potential red card for Dean Henderson in the 2024 final and City’s belief that they should have received two penalties in a previous loss to Manchester United. Guardiola said responsibility lies with players to perform better so VAR becomes less decisive. City’s upcoming match against Palace is framed as necessary to reduce Arsenal’s lead, while Arsenal’s remaining fixtures could still allow City a title chance.

Read at www.bbc.com