REF LUCK? BIG CALLS THAT LEFT PEP RATTLED

IN his pre-match press conferences, Pep Guardiola has stressed his sympathy towards the referees and the match officials.

- By JACK FLINTHAM

But, in the last few weeks and months, Guardiola has found it difficult to keep his feelings under wraps about the standard of officiating in the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

This frustration is shared by his players too with Rodri launching a spectacular rant against the referees following the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

M.E.N. Sport has taken a closer look at the decisions during recent matches which have left Guardiola and City raging...

NEWCASTLE UNITED 2-1 CITY - NOVEMBER 22, 2025

Fabian Schar challenge on Phil Foden

After being played through by Jeremy Doku, Foden managed to get his shot off however the Newcastle defender lunged in, took none of the ball and all of the England international's trailing leg.

The decision was made not to award a penalty, which was baffling.

However, it has been brought into even sharper focus this week after Fulham were awarded a penalty for Harry Maguire's challenge on Raul Jimenez at Old Trafford. The Mexican had got his shot off then when the tackle came in which will leave Guardiola and Co. wondering what the difference was between the two challenges.

"I would like to know why VAR, in the Premier League game at Newcastle, when we lost 2-1, it was 0-0, and it was an insane penalty on Schar for Phil Foden and not even a consideration," Guardiola said about this incident just last month.