Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described Video Assistant Referee decisions in the Premier League as unpredictable, saying clubs cannot depend on VAR to produce consistent outcomes.
Speaking amid renewed debate over officiating standards in English football, Guardiola said VAR decisions often feel like “a flip of a coin,” insisting teams must focus more on improving performances than blaming refereeing outcomes.
According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, the City manager made the remarks following controversy surrounding a recent VAR review involving West Ham United and Arsenal in the title race.
“I never trust anything since I arrived a long time ago,” Guardiola said.
“I always 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 recalled incidents he believes worked against City in recent major matches, including defeats in the 2024 and 2025 FA Cup finals.
In last year’s final against Crystal Palace, City were left frustrated after Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson escaped a red card despite handling the ball outside the penalty area. Henderson later saved a penalty as Palace went on to win the match.
The Spaniard also referenced City’s previous FA Cup final loss to Manchester United, claiming his side should have been awarded two penalties during the encounter.
Despite questioning officiating decisions, Guardiola maintained that players and coaches must concentrate on factors within their control.
“When this happens it is because we have to do better. The only thing we can do is do it better, that is only in your control,” he said.
Manchester City remain involved in the Premier League title race and are preparing for a crucial league clash against Crystal Palace before facing Chelsea in this season’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
