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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Tyrone Marshall

Pep Guardiola confused about VAR and handball after Man City draw vs FC Copenhagen

Pep Guardiola admits he doesn't understand the handball rule after two controversial decisions during Manchester City's goalless Champions League draw with FC Copenhagen.

The Blues earned a hard-fought point in the Parken Stadium after Sergio Gomez was sent off after 30 minutes — the third VAR review of the first half. Rodri's stunning strike was disallowed after an accidental handball in the build-up from Riyad Mahrez, who then missed a penalty after FC Copenhagen were penalised for a handball in the penalty area, with no City players appealing for the spot kick.

Guardiola was asked after the game if he understood the handball rule, to which he replied "No".

READ MORE: City player ratings vs FC Copenhagen

There was a suggestion that a recent rule change means Rodri's goal should have stood, but Guardiola also referenced decisions in Inter Milan versus Barcelona last week and in Liverpool's defeat to Arsenal at the weekend.

"Inter Milan vs Barcelona last week, did you see what happened with Arsenal and Liverpool? So, no [I don't understand it]," he said.

Guardiola said he didn't see the incident that saw Gomez sent off for pulling back Hakon Arnar Haraldsson. Cut he was pleased with the performance of his side after going a man down.

"I’m really satisfied. The team gave everything, 10 v 11, to play one like that is tough," he said.

"We conceded few chances. We started very well. Mathematically we are not in the next round, we are not there, but almost there. We’ll try to get a result.

"The width of the pitch is difficult to control. We made a lot of possession and then in the last 10 minutes with Phil coming in then I felt maybe we could break it. The players gave absolutely everything. It’s a good point and we will take it."

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