‘Bodied Arteta’ ‘Cook Him Pep, Don’t Hold Back’ Fans React As City Boss Aims Dig After Tottenham Controversy

Sportem
Sportem
3 Min Read

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he would not make the same mistake as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and rant about refereeing decisions following the 3-3 draw against Tottenham.

Simon Hooper inexplicably blew his whistle despite Jack Grealish being put through on goal and, asked about the incident after the match, Guardiola refused to criticise the officials:

“Next question. I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment. It is hard when you review the image, the referee decides to blow the whistle after he has already said to play on. After the pass, the whistle, so I do not understand this action.”

Many City fans on X saw the remarks as a dig towards his former assistant manager, with many praising Guardiola’s ability to criticise both Arteta and the ref at the same time:

City do deserve an explanation from the PGMOL

As Guardiola mentions, Hooper originally gave the advantage before stopping the game, which makes the referee’s decision all the more baffling.

For that reason, City should be requesting a full report from the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) about what went on.

Gallagher says Hooper has done nothing wrong by the letter of the law

Ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, claims it is Hooper’s decision whether to play advantage or not:

“If he’d have waited a second later the whole landscape changes. Technically, by law, he hasn’t done anything wrong. It is the ref’s choice to play advantage, not anybody else.”

That is the reason why Hooper won’t be taken off refereeing duties. He will officiate Sheffield United’s game against Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Watch our pundits discuss the latest Manchester City and Manchester United news on Shots!TV here



Source link

Leave a comment