Ruben Dias battled by VAR decisions in Manchester City's defeat at Newcastle United - 'There needs to be a rule'

React to this story

Ruben Dias scored for Manchester City, but his goal was not enough for Pep Guardiola's side on Saturday afternoon. Harvey Barnes notched a brace as Newcastle United claimed a crucial victory to rock City at St James' Park in their bid for the Premier League title. Dias was left unimpressed by what he saw as a lack of clarity over the decision-making process that saw Newcastle's second goal stand.

Highlights: Neto and Fernandez on target as Chelsea overcome Burnley

Video credit: TNT Sports

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias was left unimpressed over the VAR decisions that went against his team in their 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday.

Newcastle had two goals from Harvey Barnes to thank for their victory, coming first in the 64th and then the 70th minute.

Dias had equalised four minutes after Barnes’ first strike, but any joy for the visitors was short-lived.

Transfers

Arsenal push to secure Guimaraes and Vinicius deals - Paper Round

7 hours ago

The second was controversial because some on the City side thought that Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes had been too physical with City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

City boss Pep Guardiola even appeared to confront the Brazilian on the pitch after the full-time whistle, though he would not be drawn on the matter in his post-match comments or during his press conference.

The City defender queried one first-half decision that went against team-mate Phil Foden, but was most concerned about the decision to let the second goal for Newcastle and Harvey Barnes stand.

There were suggestions that Barnes had been pushing Donnarumma, and that Newcastle captain Guimaraes had been at fault, but the winner was ultimately allowed to stand.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the defeat, the Portuguese defender said: "I feel like the one in the first half with Phil [Foden] they said it was pretty clear, but I don't even go there. Of all the decisions, only the second goal we need to make it make sense."

He added: "Where's the sense in their player pushing our keeper out of the goal. What are we allowing and for how long?

"It's more like sometimes you allow it, and sometimes you don't, so what can you do? In the second goal, Gigi [Donnarumma] is being pushed outside his area and there is no consequence.

"I have had a chance to see, I didn't even see it out of the pitch. I had the chance to see the review and I think it is [Harvey] Barnes is pushing him away from the goal.

"We are so picky with certain contacts, but then ones like this with the keeper, then they allow it. If this is the rule then fine. But then let us do the same.

'Pleased for the players' - Dyche 'commends' his Nottingham Forest side after Liverpool dismantling

Video credit: SNTV

"Back in the day it was a foul, and now apparently it is allowed. It is one of them that when you lose people say you are trying to find excuses, but today Newcastle were better.

"They deserved the win because of that. They were able to finish more chances than us. There needs to be a rule."

City's next match is in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening, at home against Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

Newcastle also play on Tuesday, though they face a relatively long journey as they are set to face Marseille in the south of France for their Champions League league format game.

Watch and stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers