Pep Guardiola explains why he was sent off during Manchester City's Champions League defeat by Liverpool
Guardiola did not hesitate to criticise the officiating in City's quarter final defeat
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pep Guardiola has denied insulting the referee during Manchester City’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Liverpool, claiming he was only sent off for protesting against a disallowed goal.
Leroy Sané thought he had doubled City’s lead at the end of the first half, turning the ball in after its deflection back towards goal off James Milner’s knee, but the strike was ruled out for offside.
Guardiola, who needed his side to turn around a 3-0 first leg deficit in order to progress, was infuriated by the decision and at half time, he came onto the pitch to speak with referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz and his assistants.
The City manager was sent off by Lahoz following the confrontation and did not re-emerge for the second half, instead watching Liverpool's comeback to win 2-1 from the stands.
Guardiola was keen to congratulate Liverpool on their progression to the semi finals but did not hesitate to criticise the officiating either.
When asked what he had told Lahoz at half time, Guardiola said: “I said it was a goal. Milner passed it to Leroy. I said it was a goal and that’s why he sent me off.
“It’s different to go 1-0 at half time to 2-0. It’s different when the first goal at Anfield from Salah that’s offside is offside. These games, the impact is so big.
“The goal from Gabriel Jesus at Anfield is a goal, it’s penalty on Sterling from Robertson. That is an influence in a lot of competitions.”
Guardiola added: “I didn’t insult him, I just said it was a goal. I said the pass came from Milner, he said: ‘It came from Milner?’ Yes, from Milner! When it comes from Milner, it’s not offside.”
City appeared capable of completing an unlikely turnaround in the first half, especially when Jesus opened the scoring after just two minutes.
“We had an outstanding first 45 minutes,” Guardiola said. “But in this competition, like last season we had Monaco, Aguero one-against-one on the goalkeeper, clear penalty. The same referee.
“It can happen, in these competitions when the teams are so equal, the impact is so big. But I know [Lahoz] from Spain, so I could imagine that,” he said. “We spoke about it, we know him.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments