Man City’s Enzo Maresca says VAR controversy is ‘poor’

Maresca said City are still waiting for an apology due to an incorrectly given goal in the Manchester derby three years ago

Enzo Maresca feels the VAR controversy has unfairly overshadowed Man City’s performance in the Manchester derby. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca claims the focus on Sunday’s derby VAR controversy is “poor” and his side are still awaiting an apology for a similar incident three years ago.

City snatched a controversial 1-0 victory at Old Trafford after an Erling Haaland goal that was initially disallowed for offside was incorrectly given following a lengthy VAR review.

Pro Ref, the body responsible for refereeing, has since acknowledged the officials made an error in not spotting that Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position and interfering with play during the build-up.

The incident has sparked huge debate over refereeing standards and the use of technology but, while City have been the beneficiaries on this occasion, Maresca has pointed out this has not always been the case.

In the corresponding fixture in January 2023, when Maresca was on Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff, City were aggrieved that a Bruno Fernandes goal was allowed to stand when Marcus Rashford was offside. United went on to win 2-1.

“I think sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it goes against you,” said Maresca ahead of City’s Carabao Cup third-round tie at home to Championship side Norwich on Thursday.

“Three years ago when I was here, it happened exactly the same against Man United. We lost the derby there.

“The goal was not a regular goal, if you remember, and, to be honest, no one apologised. We are still waiting for the apology for that goal.

“Sometimes it happens for you, sometimes it happens against you. It’s football.” 

Maresca feels the matter has unfairly overshadowed City’s performance after they played for more than an hour with 10 men following Phil Foden’s sending off.

He said: “Talking about one episode or one moment after that game, when we played for 70-75 minutes with 10 players, I think is quite poor.

“I think the performance was unbelievable.” 

Maresca also expressed some sympathy for the video officials who have to make quick decisions under pressure.

The Italian said: “It’s not easy for them. Sometimes they make some mistakes.

“I make mistakes, players make mistakes. I think it’s part of our job.

“I don’t think it’s easy to be in front of the screen and take a decision in 20 seconds or in two minutes. It’s complicated.” There will be no VAR in operation in the Norwich tie but Maresca offered no opinion on that matter.

He said: “It’s another competition. The ambition is still the same. There is no VAR but we don’t plan the game in a different way.” 

Maresca confirmed he planned to make “some changes” for Thursday’s clash and winger Jeremy Doku, out since the Community Shield with a calf injury, was “quite close” to a return.

Foden is missing through suspension with City having little intention of appealing against his dismissal for kicking out at Fernandes.

Maresca said: “Phil knows that probably the reaction was not a good one but it’s finished and we move on.”