‘The worst’ - Gary Neville weighs into Newcastle United controversy
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Newcastle United latest news: Gary Neville has slammed VAR following its controversial decision during the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
Gary Neville has labelled VAR’s decision to chalk-off a Manchester City goal at St James’ park on Tuesday night as the ‘worst decision’ he has ever seen.
The Citizens would ultimately triumph 2-0 on Tyneside courtesy of goals from Rayan Cherki and new signing Antoine Semenyo. Cherki’s strike in stoppage-time looked to be a killer-blow to Newcastle United’s hopes of retaining their Carabao Cup trophy as they doubled their first-leg advantage following Semenyo’s opener earlier that half.
The former Bournemouth man thought he had added a second on the night when he flicked the ball in from a corner just minutes after opening the scoring. However, after a five-and-a-half minute VAR check, the goal was disallowed due to Erling Haaland being stood in an offside position and, according to the technology, interfering with play by blocking Nick Pope and Malick Thiaw’s attempts to get to the ball.
Post-match, Guardiola aimed a bizarre rant at VAR following the controversial incident, whilst figures from across the footballing world gave their views on the incident. Alan Shearer also weighed in on the debate, writing on X following a post from Henry Winter: “I’d be going mad if that was against Newcastle. It’s crap and they have got it all wrong.”
Gary Neville weighs into Newcastle United v Man City VAR debate
Speaking on the Overlap, Neville had his say on the decision and it’s fair to say that the former Manchester United man did not agree with the technology and the officials on Tuesday night: "I thought [it was] the worst decision I have ever seen.
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“I think Pep was absolutely spot on. I couldn’t believe what I was watching. He [Haaland] was never getting near that goalkeeper."
That view was echoed by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher who added: "It was one of those with VAR that winds everyone up because it's the tiniest little thing.”
Ultimately, City were able to grab a second goal on Tuesday night with the decision to rule-out Semenyo’s second seemingly not having a major effect on the outcome of the first-leg. That, of course, may change if the Magpies secure an unthinkable turnaround victory at the Etihad Stadium next month.
Between now and then, though, Eddie Howe’s side face an unenviable run of games which include Premier League and Champions League outings. A resurgent Wolves are their opponents in the league this weekend with games against Aston Villa and Liverpool to come before the end of January in the Premier League.
In between those games, the Magpies will host runaway Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League at St James’ Park. PSV currently sit 13 points clear of second-placed Feyenoord at the summit of the Eredivisie table and have already beaten Liverpool in this season’s Champions League.
Newcastle United then make the daunting trip to the French capital to face Paris Saint-Germain in their final league phase match. That game takes place at 8pm on Wednesday 28 January and will be played at the same time as 18 other matches.