Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described Video Assistant Referee decisions in the Premier League as “a flip of a coin,” saying clubs cannot depend on VAR for consistent officiating outcomes.
The Spaniard made the remarks amid renewed controversy surrounding VAR following the disallowed late equaliser in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over West Ham United.
Speaking on Wednesday, Guardiola said Manchester City had also suffered from controversial officiating decisions in recent seasons, particularly in domestic cup finals.
Guardiola said: “I never trust anything since I arrived a long time ago.
“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.”
The City manager referenced last season’s FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace, where goalkeeper Dean Henderson escaped a red card despite handling the ball outside the penalty area before later saving a penalty in Palace’s victory.
Guardiola also revisited City’s FA Cup final loss to Manchester United in 2025, claiming his side should have been awarded two penalties during the match.
Despite his criticism of officiating decisions, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach insisted players and teams must focus on improving performances instead of dwelling on matters outside their control.
Guardiola said: “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.”
Manchester City remain in the Premier League title race with three matches left this season.
City face Crystal Palace in a crucial league fixture before taking on Chelsea in this season’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
