Guardiola yelled at the referee

Coach Pep Guardiola received a yellow card for shouting at the referee after Erling Haaland's goal was disallowed in Man City's draw with Brighton.

In the 79th minute, midfielder Cole Palmer crossed the ball from the left to the second post for Haaland to head into the home team's net, and the scoreboard showed 2-1 for the away team Man City. However, after reviewing the situation according to VAR advice, referee Simon Hooper canceled the Norwegian striker's goal, because he thought Haaland had pulled the shirt of center back Levi Colwill before finishing.

Guardiola (front, left) complains to the referee after Man City had a goal disallowed in their 1-1 Premier League draw with Brighton at the Amex Stadium on May 24, 2023. Photo: PA

Coach Guardiola and his colleagues were angry and ran towards the referee to protest. The Man City coaching staff also continuously shouted at the other referees. At one point, Guardiola pulled the linesman's arm to imply that Haaland had been grabbed by Colwill earlier. But Guardiola's actions went too far, causing referee Hooper to issue him a yellow card.

After the match, Guardiola still said Haaland should have had his goal awarded. "Haaland was covered in bruises after the match," he said. "If pulling Haaland's shirt was a foul, then every time a defender does that to him, it would be a foul, but the referee didn't blow the whistle. Haaland was stronger, so he won the challenge, and the goal should have been awarded."

Man City drew 1-1 at Brighton, ending a 12-match winning streak in the Premier League. The result was important for the hosts as they secured a place in the Europa League for the first time in their history. "Brighton are an outstanding team and the game was real football," added Guardiola, praising his opponents. "We had to play with the determination of champions to draw."

Manchester City have won the Premier League for the third time in a row this season, with three games to spare. They lifted the trophy after beating Chelsea 1-0 at the Etihad last weekend. Despite facing two finals against Manchester United in the FA Cup and Inter in the Champions League, Manchester City fielded a near-full-strength squad against Brighton. Midfielder Phil Foden and centre-back John Stones showed signs of injury in the game, but Guardiola said neither had serious problems.

Man City will play their final Premier League match of the season at Brentford on May 28, then a week later will compete in the FA Cup with the same city team.

Hoang An

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