Error can still be made with Var, Guardiola claims

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola feels the introduction of VAR cannot stop referees making errors after the technology contributed to his side’s Champions League exit.

Tottenham’s decisive strike in a quarter-final that ended 4-4 on aggregate – Spurs progressing on away goals – was scored by Fernando Llorente, the ball appearing to brush the striker on the arm before his hip diverted it past Ederson.

The goal stood after a VAR review and use of the technology also went against Guardiola’ men in added time when Raheem Sterling thought he has completed his hat-trick to send City through, replays showing Sergio Aguero to be fractionally offside in the build-up.

Guardiola has long been a champion of VAR, which was used at last year’s World Cup and will be introduced in the Premier League next season after being further tested in English cup competitions this term.

City benefited from VAR not being in use to progress against Swansea City in the FA Cup, while Brighton and Hove Albion knocked out Millwall in a tie that did not have the technology in play either.

But Guardiola accepts it would not have been fair for Tottenham to be denied a first appearance in the Champions League semi-finals due to a goal that should have been disallowed.

“You know my opinion about VAR, you know, nothing changes,” Guardiola told a news conference ahead of Spurs returning to Manchester for a Premier League clash on Saturday. “Of course what happened was tough.

“Referees make human mistakes like everyone but VAR is here to help, they can make mistakes even with VAR. Referees can take time, longer… seconds or minutes to see the images, different angles to see.

“Making mistakes with VAR, after that I don’t agree, you have to take time to get the right decision. I supported it from the first time, it will be fair. If Raheem scores and they go out to an offside for them it’s so tough for Tottenham. I don’t like that.

“In the FA Cup, we were a goal away and for Swansea it’s not nice. We support it, it is what it is. Other managers might not agree with VAR, but maybe now they are [in agreement].”