18 January 2023 , 15:53
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Former Premier League referee Graham Poll has hit out at Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City manager's comments about the officiating in Saturday's Manchester derby.
City led at Old Trafford with 15 minutes remaining, only for two late goals to turn the game in Manchester United's favour. Guardiola was unhappy with the hosts' equaliser, with Marcus Rashford ruled to have not been interfering with play despite standing in an offside position in the lead-up to Bruno Fernandes' strike.
Guardiola was left baffled by the decision to allow the goal, claiming Rashford was "distracting" City's defenders as he ran towards the ball. "Maybe I don’t know what the rule is, but I know where we are playing. In this stadium, with this referee, it can happen," he said.
Poll, however, did not take too kindly to the Catalan's comments. "'We know where we're playing and we know what happens here'. It's scandalous to suggest that." the ex-official told Casinos EnLigne.
"You've got the most decorated and recognised assistant referee. He doesn't care where he's doing the game.
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"They give what they believe is the correct decision, not the most obvious or easiest decision. In their absolute heart of hearts, they believe the decision they've made is correct and you have to admire the cojones of making that decision even if they know they'll get flack for it."
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Bruno Fernandes' derby goal was allowed to stand (Getty Images)Guardiola had implied the location of the game played a part in the decision going against his team. "When we conceded the equaliser, it was important we didn't concede another goal so soon. That is something we have to improve," he said.
"The referee decided not to intervene. Are we going to make a complaint? No. This is Old Trafford. It’s like Anfield. You have to play better.”
The defeat at Old Trafford left Guardiola's team eight points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal, who they still have to play twice in the league. Next up for the defending champions is a meeting with Spurs on Thursday night, before Wolves come to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, while leaders Arsenal will host Manchester United later on Sunday afternoon.
Guardiola was asked about Erling Haaland's struggles in front of goal after the top scorer drew another blank on Saturday. "At the moment, we have that process, because when teams are sat in their 18-yard box it's more difficult," the manager said. "But we have to find him (Haaland) a little bit more, yes. He had enough touches, but it's true that when you're looking at areas, then you have to look at him."