Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was fuming after AS Monaco were awarded a controversial late penalty. This might sound familiar, because it happened during our practice game on Thursday, October 2, 2025. The incident occurred at 09:45 in the UK, leaving Guardiola visibly frustrated with the decision that ultimately impacted his team’s performance.
The penalty was awarded against Manchester City during a pivotal moment in the match, prompting an immediate reaction from Guardiola. He tried in vain to conceal his anger over the call. He considered it deeply inequitable and damaging to his student athletes’ performance on the field. Guardiola was obviously frustrated, but he refused to elaborate on the incident. For those expecting insight into the officiating, he left no doubt that he would take no questions on the subject.
The match against Monaco was a significant event for Manchester City, a team that has consistently been a contender in both domestic and European competitions. Guardiola’s leadership has played a vital role in the team’s success. Contentious officiating has been a recurring theme in high-stakes games.
Guardiola’s curt response to post-match questions about the penalty speaks to a certain common irritation that all coaches must feel. Like referees, they frequently wrestle with rulings that will shift the game’s result. He’s loath to say much beyond that. This is a reminder that he is serious about focusing on his team’s play rather than engaging in a war of words over refereeing calls.
This unfortunate event happens at an important moment in time, highlighting even further the problems with officiating in football’s current state. These important contests can shape seasons and career trajectories. Given this limited window, the stakes are especially high for teams like Manchester City, who contend for silverware on several fronts.
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